ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ
PENDLETON — Freshman Julieta Mendoza scored the game-winning goal 10 minutes into the second half as Riverside eked out a 3-2 win Thursday, Sept. 25, in a nail-biter over Pendleton.
“We were up 2-0 in the first half and the girls moved the ball well,” Riverside coach Eddy Ramos said. “Had some defensive errors that led to two goals on us. Girls came out strong to score one goal in the second, and the defense held up and had some big stops.”
Pendleton, which suffered its first loss in three games, fell to 2-4-1 on the season.
“We had the same problems plague us this game as last,” Bucks coach Kiana Rickman said. “Still down a lot of players from injury and illness. Need to focus on wanting the ball and being willing to take out opportunities when we get them. Hoping we can get to full strength before we head back into league play Tuesday.”
Tied 2-2 at the half, the teams came out battling in the second half. Mendoza won a ball off a goal kick on the right side of the field, dribbled between multiple defenders to work her way inside the 18.
“She hit a nice shot off the outside of her right foot to place it right above the goalie’s head and outstretched hands,” Ramos said. “Perfect placement.”
Mendoza scored the first goal of the game just 10 minutes into the action from the right side of the field. She crossed the ball into the net above the goalie.
Sophomore Leslie Gonzalez gave the Pirates (5-0-1) a 2-0 lead midway through the first half, dribbling her way inside the 18 and kicked the ball with her left foot, sending the ball into the top left corner of the net.
Presley Greenwalt and Aly Phelps scored unassisted in the first half for Pendleton to forge a 2-2 tie heading into the break.
Sophomore goalkeeper Tyana Nunez finished with seven saves for the Pirates.
Senior goalkeeper Citlalli Garcia had seven saves for the Bucks.
