LAVC Wins Home Opener Over Victor Valley

VALLEY GLEN – After dropping their first game of 2019 at LA Harbor College, the Monarchs (1-0-0) triumphantly returned to Monarch Stadium for a 3-2 victory over the Victor Valley Rams (0-1-0).

LA Valley set the tone early with a goal by Suzie Estrada, who lobbed a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box over Rams goalie Sarah Nuño in the 3^rd minute of play.  Victor Valley responded in the 33^rd minute as Jezabel Barajas found the back of the net from long range, and the score would remain tied 1-1 at the half despite the Monarchs outshooting the Rams 8-2.

In the second half, the Monarchs scored two goals just six minutes apart to take a 3-1 lead.  Veronica Rodriguez connected with a sprinting Jasmine Gomez, who buried the Monarchs' second goal in the 52^nd, and then Allyza Caoille chipped in a rebound inside the 6-yard box in the 58^th.  At that point, the Rams brought in Alexis Cardoza to replace Sarah Nuño in goal.

The Rams threatened in the final half hour, repeatedly challenging Monarchs sophomore netminder Isabel Kiledjian before Ariana Toranzo finally broke through to make it a 3-2 score.  Kiledjian also drew the match's only yellow card on a hard challenge just outside the penalty area in the 88^th minute.  The Rams ultimately couldn't capitalize on the ensuing set piece, and the Monarchs were able to run out the clock on offense.

LAVC hits the road for their next three games, facing Golden West, Moorpark, and LA Pierce.  The Monarchs' next home game is Friday, September 13 at 2pm against East LA.

Brian Mellblom - Contributor