Vikings Triumph in Thriller: No. 14 LBCC Advances After 4-1 PK Shootout Victory

The No. 14-ranked Vikings women's soccer team edged past No. 19 Orange Coast College in a heart-pounding match last night, advancing with a 2-2 (4-1 PKs) victory after a thrilling penalty shootout. With the win, the Vikings move on to face No. 3 Saddleback College on Saturday, Nov. 23.

From the first whistle, the game was a showcase of determination and skill. Lorena Moreno put the Vikings on the board in the 27th minute, but the Pirates struck back almost immediately to level the score at 1-1. Just two minutes later, Laila Alfadhiel blasted a stunning goal into the top corner, giving the Vikings a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

The Pirates weren't done, though, equalizing in the 46th minute to make it 2-2 and forcing the game into overtime. The extra periods were tense, with caution cards adding to the drama, but neither team managed to break the deadlock, setting the stage for a penalty shootout.

In the decisive shootout, Bryanna Duarte, Charlotte Grace, Camila Velasco, and Alfadhiel all found the back of the net. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jackie Garibay proved to be the hero, making two crucial saves to seal the win for the Vikings.

"I'm so proud of our girls for battling through the rollercoaster of emotions," said Head Coach Tino Nunez. "They found a way to get the job done, and now we're on to the next."