August 29, 2008

Men’s Soccer:
Vikings open season with 7-0 win at Palomar, earn scoreless draw at San Diego City

The Long Beach City College men’s soccer team got its 2008 season underway with a two-game trip to San Diego this week. The Vikings started the year in impressive fashion, cruising to a big 7-0 win at Palomar College on Wednesday and then played rival San Diego City College to a scoreless draw on Thursday.

Long Beach got on the board right away with a 35-yard side-netting blast by freshman forward Manuel Batista. He followed the goal five minutes later with a full volley shot off of his chest that was assisted by freshman defender Glen O'Gara. 

After a goal from outside by freshman midfielder Pedro Chavez, Batista finished his hat trick with a one-time shot over an onrushing Palomar goalie.  Freshman forward Kevin Morgan assisted on two of the four first-half goals.
 
Freshmen forwards Ryuta Iihama (two goals one assist) and Oumarou Idrissa came off the bench to finish off the scoring in the second half. 
 
Strong midfield performances were given by freshmen Warwick Newbold and Alex Martinez.

Freshman Jose Gomez had an easy time in goal during his 77 minutes on the field. Freshman Thomas Harter came in to post four saves over the final 13 minutes.

And at San Diego City, LBCC controlled the tempo of play throughout the contest, but was unable to put the ball in the back of the net and closed the game with a 0-0 tie.

Co-head coaches Cameron Beaulac and Pat Noyes praised the outstanding defensive effort by the back four of sophomore Jose Caniz, O'Gara, freshman Juan Guzman, and freshman Tony Garcia.

Sophomore Chris DeWalt posted four saves in goal. 

Long Beach (1-0-1) returns to action on Tuesday (Sept. 2) when it travels to face L.A. Mission College at 4 p.m.