Corsair Comeback; Women’s soccer team breaks losing streak

The Santa Monica College (SMC) women’s soccer team, the Corsairs, came back from a three-game losing streak with a decisive victory over the Bakersfield Renegades, 1-0.

The Corsairs had been in a slump, losing their last three games, only for that to change on Oct. 21 when an aggressive team play led to a game-defining goal from freshman midfielder Kobe Aguilar. 

Throughout the first half, the pressure on the Renegades was relentless. Sophomore forward Erica Bautista attempted two shots on net in subsequent plays before Aguilar's decisive goal, assisted by a textbook one-two pass from sophomore midfielder Lyric Gomez-Muniz. 

The Corsairs' aggressive offense defined the first half of the game. When the Renegades broke away to attempt to get in scoring position, a quick turnaround and drive back to the other side followed from a Corsair defense that never took its eye off the ball.

The first half ended 1-0. The second half started with a strong offensive presence from the Renegades, who took two shots on goal, but neither found their mark.

What followed in the second half was a retaliatory series of defensive maneuvers. The Corsairs took the ball down to the Renegades' goalpost, then attempted to get into striking position before the Renegades retook the ball in a breakaway downfield and attempted the same. 

This cycle was completed, then repeated with increased intensity until the game ended with no goals scored in the second half — the result of a masterful defensive performance from both sides.

On what broke the team's losing streak, Corsair’s head coach, Aaron Benditson, said, “I think the collective spirit of the team was really good today.” In reference to the Corsair’s impeccable team play as the key to future victories in his closing remarks, Benditson said, “It’s gonna take a village.” 

Teamwork being the secret ingredient was a sentiment echoed by Aguilar. “We actually had a team bonding exercise on Friday,” she said. “I think we played a lot better, and we played more connected.”

Aguilar drew a direct connection from team building to goal scoring, saying it was crucial for her and Gomez-Muniz's one-two pass goal, the game's only goal, leading the team to victory.   

The Corsairs' victory ended their three-game losing streak and showed signs of renewed momentum heading into the next match. The Corsair’s next game will be Friday, Oct. 24, at West L.A. College, against the Wildcats. For more information regarding SMC’s soccer games and athletics, visit SMC’s athletics website at https://www.smccorsairs.com/sports/wsoc/index.