COD Women’s Soccer Dominates Conference Opener with 5–0 Shutout of Victor Valley

The College of the Desert Women's Soccer team (3-4-2) delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, opening Inland Empire Athletic Conference play with a commanding 5–0 victory over the Victor Valley Rams (4-4-2).

The Roadrunners and Rams first met in 1998, and while Victor Valley held the early advantage in the series, the momentum has clearly shifted in COD's favor. The Roadrunners have now won four straight against the Rams and are unbeaten in 11 of the last 12 meetings dating back to 2015. They've also nearly evened their all-time home record against Victor Valley in Palm Desert, closing the gap to 11-12-1.

Sophomore goalkeeper Ana Rojas (Indio Shadow Hills) earned her third clean sheet of the season, standing tall against 12 shots — including 6 on frame — to anchor the COD defense.

The Roadrunners wasted no time setting the tone offensively. Just 45 seconds into the match, freshman forward Raelyn Seacrist (Indio Shadow Hills) buried the opening goal off an assist from sophomore Citlalli Ponce (Indio Shadow Hills).

COD doubled its lead shortly before halftime when freshman Ariana Fuentes (Desert Hot Springs H.S.) netted her second goal of the season in the 42nd minute, assisted by freshman Riley Rodriguez (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep), sending the Roadrunners into the break up 2–0.

The second half brought more fireworks:
* 57' — Camile Morin (Fitchburg, MA / St. Bernard's) scored her first of the season, typically known for her playmaking but showing she can finish too, assisted by sophomore Izabella Hernandez (Rancho Mirage H.S.).
* 75' — Savannah Rivera (Thermal Coachella Valley) stunned the Rams with a long-range strike from 45 yards out that sailed over the keeper to make it 4–0.
* 84' — Willow Jones (Yucca Valley H.S.) capped the scoring with her second of the year, assisted by sophomore Miriam Pimentel (Thermal Desert Mirage).

What's Next

COD now hits the road for a three-game swing over the next two weeks before returning home to host perennial powerhouse Chaffey College (5-2-1) on Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. The match will be played at Shadow Hills High School in Indio.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.