COMMUNITY COLLEGE REGIONAL SOCCER PLAYOFFS : Moorpark’s Fisher Makes Save, Sinks Cypress

Goalkeeper Amy Fisher made several key saves Saturday but none bigger than the final one during penalty kicks that sent Moorpark to the State women’s soccer tournament.

Moorpark, the fourth-seeded team in Southern California, and top-seeded Cypress were tied, 1-1, after 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime.

The game was decided by penalty kicks and Moorpark won, 3-2, when Fisher dived far to the right to knock away a shot by Cypress’ Christy Rowe. Fisher had 13 saves in regulation and four in overtime.

Michelle Ranuschio, Summer Salvatera, and Maureen O’Hare scored on penalty kicks for Moorpark (10-3-4). The state tournament is Dec. 3-4 in Sacramento.

Christine Tyler and Tracy Van Herk scored for Cypress, which has won three consecutive Orange Empire Conference titles. The Chargers end the season 16-1-2.

It was the second consecutive postseason loss on penalty kicks for Cypress, which lost in the same manner to DeAnza in the state title game last season.

“We all had our Lucky Charms for breakfast today,” Moorpark Coach Ken Dale said. “It’s a tough way for either team to lose.”

Cypress dominated the first half, but Fisher had seven saves and the teams were tied, 0-0. Cypress’ offense struggled partly because starting forwards Traci Osman (ankle) and Lori Van Herk (knee) were out because of injuries. Osman had nine goals this season.

Moorpark’s offense improved in the second half but Cypress broke the scoreless tie when Pam Prine scored her 10th goal off an assist by Rowe in the 81st minute.

Moorpark rallied about two minutes later when Christy McGowan put a rebound past Cypress goalkeeper April O’Brien.