Intense Win For Men's Soccer
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Corsairs played the LA Pierce Brahma Bulls on the Corsair Field. The Corsairs were missing key players, including forward Philip Hephzibah and forward Javier Mendoza, the latter of whom is currently out on a red card. As a result, the team had to work together to secure the win.
“Everyone was fighting for each other,” midfielder Andy Salazar said. “We were playing as a team. One thing we use is brotherhood.”
The first half started with a goal attempt by Corsairs’ forward Gabe Mejia, who was then fouled by the Brahmas. This didn’t stop the Corsairs, with defender Luis Rodriguez scoring a goal in the third minute.
Both teams played with tough aggression, with the Corsairs’ forward Jefferson Parada and Brahmas’ defender Santana Sakai fighting for the ball, eventually kicking it out of bounds. After another drawn-out play, Brahmas’ midfielder Gilberto Chavez blocked a shot attempt made by the Corsairs.
A corner kick obtained by the Brahmas resulted in a header by defender Noel Velasquez that went over the net. At this point in the match, both teams traveled up and down the field, trying to steal possession from each other. A shot attempt was made by Brahmas’ defender Jesse Cano that ended up off target.
Corsairs’ midfielder Justin Martinez scored the team’s second goal in the 26th minute (2-0). The goal was assisted by Rodriguez and Salazar.
“I got my goal in, thanks to Andy,” Martinez said. “We’re just playing really good defense, really good attacking as well.”
After a shove by Sakai on Parada, Santa Monica’s team shouted at the referees, demanding a yellow card, but the call was dismissed. The first half ended with a great play and final shot attempt by Corsairs’ forward Jay’ce Jones.
“I think I could've had a better performance,” Jones said. “I think I could’ve scored but... can’t have it all.”
The second half wasn’t as strong, with both teams starting to slow down. Still, the Corsairs refused to hand any goals to LA Pierce. After a penalty kick was given to Santa Monica, midfielder Alex Hernandez scored the third goal for the team in the 55th minute (3-0).
However, a slip up by Corsairs’ goalkeeper, Pedro Zafra almost gave the Brahmas their first goal. Luckily, the shot attempt made by Brahmas’ Chavez bounced wide of the net.
Jones was given a yellow card after accidentally fouling Brahmas’ goalkeeper, Tony Ramirez. Ramirez was subbed out with goalkeeper Arnoldo Hernandez while receiving treatment. The Corsairs’ Head Coach Tim Pierce spoke with the referee after the game for clarity.
“We were just analyzing the play,” Pierce said. “He couldn’t tell.. if it was, you know, an intentional kick and the goalie went down. It was just one play.”
The match ended with a corner kick shot by Martinez, blocked by Brahmas' midfielder Frank Garcia. Santa Monica College improved to 7-2-3 on the season, and plays their next match on Tuesday, Oct. 15 against the Glendale Vaqueros at Glendale.