The defensive efforts of both teams made for a well-fought game on Thursday, but the Carpinteria Warriors eked out a 2-1 victory over Grace Brethren.
The first half was scoreless as Warriors goalkeeper Laura Valdez did a phenomenal job in the net, coming up with multiple goal-saving stops.
Carpinteria finally found the back of the net in 60th minute when Giselle Estrada fed a beautiful ball to a keen Jenny Alaniz who knocked it in from eight yards out.
But Alaniz’s subsequent goal was the stunning one. Kelsie Bryant tossed a long ball into Alaniz who secured the ball with her back to the net. She then turned and hit a flawless volley into the side netting to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
The Cougars were able to retaliate with a goal of their own but the clock ran out before they could make a sufficient comeback.
The Warriors improve to 10-6-1 overall and 8-2 in league after the win and are set to play Oxnard on Friday in a non-leauge game.
