Rustlers Earn 1–0 Road win at Canyons, Advance to SoCal Regional Third Round

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — The Golden West College women's soccer team delivered its biggest win of the season on Saturday evening, defeating No. 5 seed College of the Canyons 1–0 on the road to advance to the Third Round of the SoCal Regional Playoffs.

With the victory, the No. 12–seeded Rustlers improve to 14-4-6 and continue their postseason run on Tuesday, November 25, traveling to take on No. 4 seed Cypress College at 1 p.m.

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Golden West broke through in the 66th minute thanks to leading scorer Kaylee Gomez.

Gomez collected a loose ball outside the box, created space with a quick touch, and drilled the back of the net over the Canyons keeper to give the Rustlers a 1–0 lead.The unassisted strike marked Gomez's ninth goal of the season and her team-leading third game-winner.

Golden West finished with six shots, placing four on target, including strong efforts from Abby Quinlan, Rylee Schneider, and Gomez.

The Rustlers leaned on their defensive identity, producing yet another postseason shutout.

Sophomore goalkeeper Sierra Carter was outstanding, recording nine saves to earn her 11th clean sheet of the season. Carter's command of the box and handling under pressure anchored the Rustler back line throughout the match.

Defenders Jada Overton, Mia Guerra, Kiersten Mahan, and Olivia Brown held strong, blocking lanes and limiting high-quality opportunities despite the Cougars' 12 total shots.

Canyons pushed hard in the final 15 minutes, generating seven second-half shots and several dangerous moments in transition. But the Rustlers absorbed the pressure with poise, clearing balls out of danger and winning key midfield battles to preserve the lead.

Golden West advances to the SoCal Regional Third Round for the first time in program history and will now face a familiar Orange Empire Conference opponent.

The Rustlers travel to No. 4 seed Cypress College on Tuesday, November 25, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. The winner moves on to the SoCal Regional Quarterfinals.

Admission is CASH ONLY with prices as follows General: $12 & Students w/ID, Seniors 60+, children 11 years and younger: $8 and Parking Permits are required.