Chaffey's Streak Snapped in Hard-Fought 2-1 Match with Norco

The Chaffey College women's soccer team came up short in a tightly contested Inland Empire Athletic Conference matchup on Friday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Norco College. Despite a strong defensive showing and an impressive second-half equalizer, the Panthers were unable to complete the comeback late in the match.

After a scoreless first half, Norco broke through in the 55^th minute with a penalty conversion to take a 1-0 lead. Chaffey responded just over ten minutes later when Sofia Guerrero positioned herself perfectly to finish a well-delivered free kick from Alexa Pereida, leveling the match at 1-1.

The Mustangs reclaimed the lead in the 83^rd minute on a late strike, and while the Panthers pressed forward in search of another equalizer, time ran out before they could convert. Goalkeeper Isabella Ortiz led the back line and made several key saves, keeping the Panthers within reach.

The defeat stands as Chaffey's first setback in conference play after opening the conference schedule with five consecutive wins. The Panthers are now 5-1 in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference and will focus on their home match on Tuesday, Oct. 21 against Mt. San Jacinto College. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.