Latest win ties program record

The Saddleback women's soccer team beat Norco College 2-0 on Friday in Norco, and with the win tied a program record.  The Gauchos extended their unbeaten streak to eight games, equaling the 2003 squad.

Most of Saddleback's players were between 5-7 years-old the last time the program went eight straight games without a loss.   Despite that fact, they all knew what was at stake and wanted to take the necessary steps to equal the feat.

Breanna Taboada (left) scored the opening goal of the game in the 38^th minute off a free kick.  It was her third goal of the season and gave Saddleback the only goal it would need to secure the win.  Emilee Monnig (center) added an insurance goal in the 56^th minute off a great pass from Danielle Scelsi.  It was Monnig's team-leading sixth goal of the season and gave the Gauchos some cushion room.

Meanwhile, the defense was nearly perfect.  Keepers Shana Leventhal and Angelica Ramos tossed another shutout, combining for seven saves on the afternoon.   It was the sixth shutout in eight games for the Gauchos as Saddleback has now outscored opponents 21-3 for the year.

"We played strong defense and our midfield played the ball well and created runs for our forwards," head coach BJ McNicol (right) said. 

Saddleback is now 7-0-1 overall and 3-0-1 in Orange Empire Conference play.  The Gauchos remain two points back of Santiago Canyon in the conference standings, but have increased the gap between themselves and the third place team to four points after Santiago Canyon defeated Cypress on Friday. 

The 7-0-1 mark is the exact same record the 2003 team had to begin the season.  The 2003 team finished 15-4-2 overall and third in the OEC standings, losing in the first round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.  The 2003 team also holds the record for most shutouts in a season (12).

Saddleback will attempt to break the program record on Tuesday when it travels to Golden West College to take on the Rustlers.  Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM.