Freshman goalkeeper Ismael Guzman led the Vaquero’s soccer team to a 2-0 shut out against rival Oxnard at La Playa Stadium Friday night, ending the Vaquero’s losing streak and improving their conference record to 1-0-1.

Around 100 people found their way to La Playa stadium to support the Vaqs, and they got their moneys worth.

“I thought we were unlucky on Tuesday [tie against Mission], but today everything went well, and I’m proud of the guys,” said coach John Sisterson.

The Vaqs practiced a lot on shooting drills this past week. Their hard work showed in the opening two minutes when sophomore striker Danny Molineaux broke free for a one-on-one, and put it past the Oxnard goalie to give the Vaqs an early 1-0 lead.

“It was a great ball from Arturo Alvarez and I finished it,” said Molineaux.

After the dazzling start, the Vaqs continued to press Oxnard and scruff the game by its neck. Danny Rodriguez almost scored a goal for the Vaqs after just five minutes, but the Oxnard goalie denied him with a great effort.

Throughout the first half, the Vaqs were solid with their passing, resulting in many scoring chances.

“In the first half the team worked very hard, looked confident, and played decent soccer,” said Sisterson.

In the 27 minute, Rodriguez showed his talented left foot with a dangerous free kick but the goalie denied him. The first half ended with a 1-0 score, and the Vaqs left the field with a positive attitude.

The second half started as the first half ended with the Vaqs controlling the game. In the 48 minute, the Vaqs got a free kick from 22-yards out. Rodriguez, who used to play for Oxnard, converted the free kick and scored the second goal to give the Vaqs a definitive lead.

“I felt positive before the free kick, and I just knew I had to make it,” said Rodriguez after scoring against his former teammates.

After the goal, the Vaqs continued to control the ball and dominate the possession game, constantly pressuring Oxnard’s defense with their quick strikers Danny Molineaux and Arturo Alvarez.

In the 73 minute, winger Stuart Kirk almost tallied when he rounded the keeper and tried to guide the ball into the net, but his attempt was denied after an Oxnard defender caught up and cleared the ball off the line.

The game ended with a 2-0 victory, and left the coaches and players optimistic about their chances to repeat as conference champions. Not only was this game important for the team’s confidence, but also for the retuning goalkeeper Ismael Guzman.

“It was my first game after my injury, and I felt good throughout the game,” said Guzman. “In the beginning I was nervous, but all that vanished after we scored the first goal.”

Molineaux called the game “our best performance of the season by far.”

The Vaq’s soccer team hopes to continue their winning streak when they head to Glendora on Oct. 6 to face Citrus.