Serrato’s Last-Minute Header Lifts Owls Past Bakersfield, 2-1

Citrus College Women's Soccer earned a thrilling 2-1 win over Bakersfield College on Tuesday night, October 14, at Citrus Stadium.

With the victory, the Owls improve to 5-5-2 overall and 3-1-2 in Western State Conference play, while Bakersfield falls to 6-6-1 overall and 3-2-1 in conference.

The match began under dramatic skies, as a rainy Tuesday in Glendora left the Citrus Stadium turf slick. During warmups, the sun broke through to reveal a rainbow to the west of the field, setting the stage for an equally colorful contest.

Both teams came out aggressive, each fighting for crucial conference positioning. Citrus registered five shots and four corner kicks in the opening half, while Bakersfield tallied seven shots and two corners. In the 36th minute, Jasemine Flores struck a well-placed corner kick from the left side that deflected off the Renegade goalkeeper and into the net—marking her first goal of the season and giving the Owls a 1-0 lead at the half.

The tempo intensified in the second half as Bakersfield pushed for the equalizer, which came in the 62nd minute. From there, the match turned into a physical, back-and-forth battle on the damp turf, with both teams fighting to gain possession and momentum.

In the closing moments, the Owls delivered a dramatic finish. In the 90th minute, Alexia Leon beat a defender down the right sideline and sent a precise cross into the box, where Layla Serrato rose to meet it and headed home the game-winner—her fourth goal of the season. Citrus held strong through stoppage time to secure the 2-1 victory.

The Owls will continue conference play on the road this Friday, October 17, when they travel to Glendale College for a 4 p.m. kickoff.