PCC Season Preview: Goals A Priority For Women’s Soccer in 2015

One thing was clear about the Pasadena City College women’s soccer team last season–offense did not come easy. The Lancers struggled to score goals, especially during the South Coast Conference schedule. As the 2015 season approaches, PCC head coach Reggie Rivas thinks the team should be better in that area while continuing to be a solid defensive unit.

“We had injuries to our best offensive players, and really no depth at the forward spots,” Rivas said. “Right now, we have four forwards and several midfielders that we expect will bolster our ability to score. We don’t have the dynamic scorer type, but we expect to see different ladies contribute.”

The Lancers return their top two scorer from 2014 in midfielder Rachel Schroeder, who netted five goals and had three assists despite an injury that limited her to 14 contests. Ani Hemelians, a speedy forward, also returns after scoring five goals, including a hat trick in a win over El Camino College-Compton Center.

Alexandra Bissell, a forward is back after injuries kept her out of the lineup last year, and sophomore Elena Heuze returns as well. Rivas is excited about the additions of freshmen playmaking midfielder Sandra Ambrosio and incoming forward Alexis Acosta, an All-Rio Hondo League honorable mention as a senior. Ambrosio was an All-CIF Division 7 performer who is both a strong passer with goal-scoring ability.

Veteran sophomore midfielder Leila Farazdaghi returns after last playing as a starter on the 2011 PCC team. She is one of the team’s top passers according to Rivas.

PCC’s defense should again be the team’s strength with returning sophomore Michelle Morales and redshirt freshman transfer Kelly Youssef, a Pasadena Star-News All-Area honorable mention out of Monrovia High, highlighting the defender corps. All-Pacific League Second Team selection Talar Boshgezenyan (Pasadena High) and Juliana Gurule (Maranatha) are freshmen who should take starting spots to open the year.

“Michelle and Kelly are two of our better players period, not just in the backfield,” Rivas said.

Another key newcomer is redshirt freshman transfer midfielder Nathalie Feil, who comes to PCC via Cal Poly Pomona. Feil was an All-CIF LA City Division First Team selection who helped Verdugo Hills High win a City Section D-2 title as a senior. Known for her strong defense, she played on four East Valley League champion teams.

PCC will try to replace one of the school’s greatest goalies Angelique Ulmer, who graduated after setting the school record for shutouts in a career (13) and is now playing at NCAA DIvision II Eckerd College (Florida). Monica Rogers, a freshman from Temple City HIgh, will start in goal for the Lancers in ’15. Her backup is newcomer Natalie Martin (Rosemead High).

Rounding out the Lancers’ roster are sophomore midfielder Melissa Garcia, sophomore defender Margarita Munoz, considered the Lancers’ most improved player, and freshmen in defender/midfielder Jasmin Rodriguez (Pasadena High), midfielders Aubrey Subadya and Jessica Valdovinos (both from Arcadia), and Brazil product Natalia Gomes.

Rivas’ coaching staff returns Heidi Strauss as the new associate head coach. The team’s new goalie coach is alumnae Andrea Otero, PCC’s all-time wins leader (23) from 1998-99.

“We know we need to play 90 minutes all out every match because our power points system doesn’t give us much margin for error,” Rivas said. “Bottom line is we have to put the ball in the net enough to allow our defense to make a difference.”

The team will try to break a 6-match scoreless streak dating back to last October when it opens the ’15 season on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Santa Ana College. PCC’s home opener at Robinson Stadium takes place Friday, Sept. 4 as the Lancers host Moorpark. The Lancers don’t begin SCC play until Sept. 29 at Mt. San Antonio.