Soccer comeback ties program record

The Saddleback women's soccer team came from behind for a 2-1 win over Golden West College on Tuesday night at the stadium.  With the win the Gauchos are now unbeaten through eight games, tying a program record. 

Saddleback trailed 1-0 at the half but controlled play throughout.  The Gauchos dominated with 12 shots in the opening first half but couldn't break through.  Golden West finally broke the ice with a goal in the 30^th minute when Delilah Resendiz scored off a throw-in.

Saddleback kept up the pressure in the second half and got even in the 60^th minute with Amber Martin redirecting a pass from Emilee Monnig for her second goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1.  The Gauchos kept the momentum, taking the lead eight minutes later when Rachel Edelstein connected unassisted from 25-yards away in the top corner of the net.  It was Edelstein's fifth goal of the season.

Saddleback had numerous chances in the second half, with three balls hitting the crossbar.  The Gauchos outshot Golden West 23-5 in the game, but hung on for life in the final minute when Dz-Rae Jara made a huge save to preserve the win.

Saddleback had a big crowd on hand as they were celebrating the 50^th win by head coach BJ McNicol last week, with close to 400 spectators on hand. 

"It was a great team performance," McNicol said.  "We couldn't find a way to beat Golden West last year and it ended up costing us the conference title."

With the win, Saddleback is now 6-0-2 overall and 3-0-1 in Orange Empire Conference play.  The unbeaten streak reached eight on Tuesday, tying a program record set in 2003. 

Saddleback will have a chance to break the record on Friday when it hosts Norco College.  The kickoff is set for 3:00 PM on the East Field.