BY Rogelio Alvarez
East Los Angeles College women’s soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to three games after defeating Los Angeles Harbor College, 2-0, Friday at Weingart Stadium.
Huskies sophomore forward Tara Cofer scored both goals in the victory.
Cofer’s second goal was a one-on-one with Harbor freshman goalkeeper Cynthia Prado.
Huskies freshman midfielder Lizeth Delgado snuck a pass through Harbor defense to set up Cofer’s second goal of the match.
“I knew we had the game after the second goal. (With) the first goal I was still worried because they could tie, but after the second goal I knew that they were going to give up,” Cofer said.
ELAC currently occupies second place behind undefeated conference rivals, Cerritos College.
Huskies midfielder Maria Gastelum ran down the right flank and made a lobbed pass through Harbor defenders to assist Cofer with her first goal.
“We just looked to chip it over the backline and run them down the whole second half,” Cofer said.
The Huskies dominated possession in the first half, but failed to find the back of the net after several attempts at goal.
ELAC continued to dominate the match in the second half and increased its pressure on the opposing team.
“I think we had chances in the first half where it wasn’t going our way, so it was a little frustrating,” ELAC Head Coach Tessa Troglia said.
Huskies sophomore goalkeeper Penelope Roman recorded her tenth shutout of the season.
Roman looked confident in her clearances each time Harbor made an attempt on the goal.
Roman and the Husky defense worked hard to prevent Harbor from scoring.
“They work really well as a unit. They have good chemistry,” Troglia said.
Harbor’s closest chance to scoring came in late in the second half. After LAHC midfielder Daniela Martin’s shot slipped through Roman’s grasp, Huskies freshman midfielder Maria Gastelum hustled quickly to clear the ball before it went in.
“I’m really happy with our progression and really happy with our effort. These girls’ heart, dedication and commitment has been probably one of the best since the seven years that I’ve been here,” Tessa said.
After playing away at third-placed Mount San Antonio College on Tuesday, ELAC hosts Pasadena City College on Friday at 4 p.m.
“We’re looking to win out the season until we come in first place,” Cofer said.