Five Second-Half Scores Propels LBCC Women's Soccer Past L.A. Harbor

Erica Rojas had a career day by notching a hat trick and dishing out one assist to equal seven points in a 6-0 win over L.A. Harbor on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Nicho DellaValle)
Erica Rojas had a career day by notching a hat trick and dishing out one assist to equal seven points in a 6-0 win over L.A. Harbor on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Nicho DellaValle)

The Long Beach City College women's soccer team hosted L.A. Harbor on Friday afternoon on their home pitch in hopes of increasing their chances for a playoff berth. After holding a 1-0 lead entering into halftime, the Vikings exploded for five goals and set their pace to cruise control en route to a 6-0 victory.

The Vikings struck early in the game by sending home the opening goal of the contest in the 15th minute. Stephanie Barrera dribbled a ball just inside the goalkeeper's box and slotted a goal far top shelf to hand the Vikings an early lead.

The defensive brigade consisting of Terica Johnson, Katin Trowbridge, and Miranda Kaekul allowed miminal pressure in the first half, while Casey Angers and Kalie Bembry held down the midfield with poise and confidence.

Long Beach erupted for five goals in the second half, with Erica Rojas recording a hat trick through the 45-minute timespan.

Rojas was unstoppable in a 16-minute window by scoring in the 69th, 76th, and 85th minutes. Savannah Christensen facilitated the first score, while Joceyln Gonzalez chipped in an assist on the second netter. Rojas handled the scoring suites solo on her third goal of the game.

Julianna Carrillo sandwiched Rojas' hat trick with two goals of her own by kicking off the second half with a far-post netter in the 48th minute, followed by a score in the 87th minute in which Rojas assisted.

Ronnie Gonzalez earned the victory after hauling in four saves in just over 80 minutes of action. Isabel Lozano finished off the contest by playing just under 10 minutes and notching one save.

Rojas stole the offensive show today with her hat trick and an assist to equal seven points on the day.

The Vikings outshot L.A. Harbor by a margin of 23-8. Additionally, LBCC recorded five more corner kicks.

With the victory, Long Beach improves their conference record to 3-1-1 and currently sits in second place in the South Coast Conference-South. They will face off against third-place El Camino on Tuesday, November 1 on the road at 2 p.m.