Valdovinos lifts Imperial past Brawley in penalty kicks, sends Lady Tigers to first CIF title game

The Tigers made history on the pitch Tuesday night after beating the Wildcats

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) - Jimena Valdovinos delivered when it mattered most.

The senior scored Imperial’s first goal in regulation and then buried the decisive penalty kick as the No. 7 seed Tigers defeated the No. 3 seed Brawley Wildcats 5–4 in penalty kicks after a 1–1 draw, advancing to the CIF championship game for the first time in program history.

After a hand ball in the box, Imperial struck first with a penalty kick from Valdovinos, giving the Tigers an early 1–0 lead.

Brawley answered with a penalty kick conversion by Elyssa Ortega, who slipped the ball past the goalkeeper to even the score at one.

Neither team found the net through the remainder of regulation or overtime, sending the semifinal into penalty kicks.

Both sides traded successful attempts, but Imperial's goalkeeper Annabella Alvarez but on the Superman cape, coming up with a crucial save, setting the stage for Valdovinos.

She stepped forward and delivered, scoring the winning penalty to send the Tigers into the championship and sparking a celebration as her teammates rushed the field.

Imperial head coach Alex Quinteros said the moment reflected the team’s resilience throughout the season.

“It was a really exciting game. It was pretty stressful, to be honest with you,” Quinteros said. “I’m really proud of each and every single girl on the field. They made it happen. It was one heck of a game, definitely one I’ll never forget.”

Valdovinos said contributing both goals made the moment even more meaningful.

“It’s honestly really special getting to put my team up and being able to win,” she said. “It feels so amazing, and it’s such a relief. We knew it was win or go home, and we just proved that we were the better team.”

Quinteros, in his first season leading the program, credited the team’s chemistry for the historic run.

“That right there is what helped us get all the way to where we’re at. Thanks to each and every single one of the girls on the team. It was more of a family," Quinteros said. "Them making this team more of a family, instead of just a team, that’s what got us here today.”

Valdovinos said being part of Imperial history in her senior season made the accomplishment even more rewarding.

“It’s amazing, especially because it’s my senior year,” she said. “I’m really happy, proud of our girls, proud of myself and proud of our coaching staff. We worked our butts off all season, and we came one step closer. All we have to do is finish it off.”

Despite the loss, Brawley head coach Hugo Ortega praised his team, especially freshman leading goal scorer Lunna Aguilera, who was out for tonights game due to injury, and Elyssa Ortega, another freshman who led the team in assists.

“We went through a lot of injuries throughout the season, but the girls, there was always somebody stepping up,” Ortega said. “Both freshmen came in, not afraid to display their talent, and it was awesome to watch.”

Imperial will play for the CIF championship later this week, one win away from completing its historic postseason run.