In Rivalry-Like Clash, Citrus Shuts Down Santa Monica

Women's Soccer secured their second conference victory of the season on Tuesday, October 7, with an impressive 2-0 shutout over conference rival Santa Monica College.

With the win, the Owls improve to 4-5-1 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play. The loss drops the Corsairs to 6-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in conference action.

The match opened with high intensity from both sides. Citrus took six shots and earned five corner kicks in the first half, while Santa Monica registered eight shots and two corners of their own. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Mikani Telles threaded a perfect pass through the heart of the Santa Monica defense. Bridget Ward made no mistake, one-timing a rocket into the back of the net to give Citrus a 1-0 lead.

From that point forward, the game took on a physical, rivalry-like tone, with both teams pushing hard on both ends of the field.

In the second half, the tempo remained high. Just as Santa Monica seemed to be gaining momentum, Citrus struck again. In the 78th minute, Telles delivered a precise corner kick that Layla Serrato headed home, doubling the Owls' lead and deflating the Corsairs' hopes of a comeback.

The final 10 minutes saw Citrus drop into a defensive formation, successfully clearing danger and preserving the clean sheet.

Offensively, Alexia Leon and Aubrianna Mejia each fired three shots, while Andrea Meza repeatedly challenged the Corsairs' backline with two near-miss efforts. Bridget Ward was clinical with her lone shot, converting it into the game's opening goal and keeping the Santa Monica defense under constant pressure with smart runs.

Goalkeeper Lilliana Miramontes was perfect in goal, stopping all six shots she faced to earn the shutout.

The Owls return to action this Friday, October 10, when they travel to face West LA in another key conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.