Viss, Arista carry Pirates to soccer playoff win over San Francisco

Sophomores Jenna Viss and Yaritza Arista work well together on the soccer pitch – Viss the powerful 6-foot-1 forward, Arista the skilled midfielder.

Their bond is a big reason why the Pirates extended their season Tuesday.

Viss’ two second-half goals, off assists by Arista, powered MJC to a 2-0 win over City College of San Francisco in the second round of the Northern California Regional playoffs. Modesto (17-4-2) will travel to unbeaten Santa Rosa (19-0-4), the Big 8 Conference champion that needed a late goal and penalty kicks to turn back Evergreen Valley, in Saturday’s third round.

Modesto, runner-up to Santa Rosa in the conference, has reached top form. San Francisco (15-3-3) had not lost to a Northern California opponent all season and had not dropped a game since Sept. 6. But on MJC’s West Campus field, the Pirates eliminated the Rams with an impressive second half.

“I thought it would be 1-0, but I wasn’t sure (who would win),” MJC coach Steve Aristotelous said. “But to beat them 2-0 ... we played really well today.”

MJC struck in the first minute after the break. Arista’s shot from close range clanked off the crossbar, but Viss finished the rebound off the bounce. In the 76th minute, the Pirates all but clinched it when Arista dispossessed a Rams center-half and dished to her left to the attacking Viss, who eventually chipped it over the CCSF goalie to the net’s upper corner.

Both goals demonstrated the best talents of Viss and Arista, who rank among the state’s top scorers.

“(Arista) set me up on that first goal. And that second one was hers, too,” Viss said. “She’s been a key for us with so many goals and assists. We couldn’t do anything without her.”

Viss, nursing a cold, more than did her part. In fact, she nearly scored a hat trick. Her stinging drive late in the match caromed off the near post.

The win affirmed Modesto’s confidence at home, where it was 12-0-1 this season.

“It’s crazy how well we’ve done at home,” Viss said. “It’s real exciting for the team and the soccer program.”

Modesto and CCSF began in rain that gave way after about 15 minutes to sun and a brisk and chilly crosswind. The teams went scoreless in the first half, though an offside call disallowed an MJC goal.

The Pirates repelled San Francisco’s bid to tie the score after Viss’ first goal. One attack required a solid save by goalkeeper Ashley Almeida, who dived to her left to deflect a low shot heading for the post.

Modesto controlled the run of play, however, with Arista and teammates showing strength at midfield.

“We play as a team and move the ball around,” Arista said. “We try to gain possession.”

The formula has worked, especially in the postseason, for the Pirates.

“That’s what the top girls (like Viss and Arista) do. They win the games for us,” Aristotelous said. “Yari is a field general and makes everyone around her better.”

Modesto was beaten at Santa Rosa 2-0, but the teams tied 2-2 on Nov. 13. The Pirates must beat the Bear Cubs to advance to the State Final Four on Dec. 4-6 at De Anza. MJC barely missed the Final Four last year after a 1-0 loss in overtime to Cosumnes River.

“I think we can beat anyone when we’re on our game,” Aristotelous said.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 8:26 PM with the headline "Viss, Arista carry Pirates to soccer playoff win over San Francisco."