The 2019 season officially kicked off for the Taft College women's soccer team on Thursday as the Cougars played Orange Coast College to a 2-2 tie at the New Balance Community College Showcase at Ventura College.
Taft got off to a great start against OCC, opening the scoring with a goal by sophomore Carla Salazar in the 12th minute off the assist from sophomore Vanessa Aguero.
But the Cougar lead didn't last long as Lynette Romero turned in the equalizer for the Pirates in the 20th minute to tie up the game at one goal each.
Taft responded just three minutes later, going ahead 2-1 thanks to a strike to the back of the net by freshman Justice Rodriguez with the assist from sophomore Carla Rodriguez.
The Cougars took that lead into break and carried it all the way until late in the second half. In the 76th minute, Delani Guyot scored an unassisted goal for Orange Coast to even up the game. Taft had some late chances to score, but had to settle for the draw.
Freshman Vanessa Casas had an amazing debut in goal for the Cougars, collecting 14 saves to keep Taft in the game.
The season-opening tourney concludes for the Cougars on Friday (Aug. 30) when they will take on San Diego Mesa College at 2 p.m.