Panthers Show Second-Half Fight in 2-1 Battle with Eagles

The Chaffey College women's soccer team came up short in a tightly contested Inland Empire Athletic Conference match on Tuesday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Mt. San Jacinto College at home. Despite a strong second-half push and a composed finish from Alexa Pereida, the Panthers were unable to overcome an early two-goal deficit.

Mt. San Jacinto took the lead in the fourth minute after converting on a cross, then doubled the advantage in the 38th minute on another strike. Chaffey fought back after the break, generating more possessions through midfield control and eventually finding the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Pereida buried a long-range effort into the upper corner to pull the Panthers within one.

Goalkeeper Isabella Ortiz stabilized the back line with several key interventions as the midfield and defense tried to keep the match within reach. Despite sustained late pressure, the Panthers couldn't find the equalizer before the final whistle.

The result marked Chaffey's second consecutive conference defeat following a 5-0 start to IEAC play. The Panthers will look to bounce back when they travel to San Bernardino Valley College on Friday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.