Last-minute drama keeps MJC women’s soccer team alive in playoffs

The Modesto Junior College women’s title-winning soccer team has extended its season, thanks to some last minute drama.

The Pirates (19-1-2), seeded second in the Northern California Playoffs, will meet seventh-seeded Mendocino in the second round Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the MJC West Campus field.

Modesto needed a goal in the 120th minute, seconds before the end of double overtime, to outlast San Joaquin Delta 2-1 on Saturday. Yaritza Arista passed across the mouth of the goal, where Tyler Fenton finished to send the Pirates home happy.

MJC, the Big 8 Conference champion, trailed the fifth-place Mustangs (9-7-5) 1-0 until Andrea Zaragoza tied it in the 70th minute. Zaragoza, who had just entered the game, scored off an assist by Jenna Viss. Modesto’s 19th win tied a school record.

Mendocino advanced on penalty kicks over Lake Tahoe.

This story was originally published November 24, 2014 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Last-minute drama keeps MJC women’s soccer team alive in playoffs."