With A Massive Win, The Corsairs Send The Roadrunners Home

Santa Monica College Corsair forward Philip Hephzibah (17) takes possession of the ball in the men's soccer match against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at Corsair Field, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Mary Funsten | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair forward Gabe Mejia (9) moves the ball as the Men's Soccer plays against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at Corsair Field, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Mary Funsten | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair forward Gabe Mejia (9) chases for the ball while being blocked by Roadrunner's forward Ulises Depaz (9) in a men's soccer match against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at Corsair Field, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Mary Funsten | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair forward Philip Hephzibah (17) goes in for a high five with a fellow forward Jefferson Parada (16) in the men's soccer match against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Corsair Field, Santa Monica, Calif. (Mary Funsten | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College Corsair forward Riley Howard (5) takes the first shot in the second half to keep the Corsair’s high offensive press on Rio Hondo’s College defensive line on Sept. 20, 2024, at the Corsair Field, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Carmen Talavera | The Corsair)

(L-R) Santa Monica Corsair Forwards Riley Howard, Javier Mendoza, Philip Hephzibah, and midfielder Adrian Garcia celebrate together in a huddle as the men's soccer match against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Corsair Field, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Mary Funsten |Corsair)

Furthering a repeated cycle of wins and draws for the Santa Monica Corsairs, the men’s soccer team secured a victory against the Rio Hondo Roadrunners. The first half was played with aggressive offense by the Corsairs.

The Corsairs’ forward Javier Mendoza had a shot attempt blocked by the Roadrunners' defender, Ignacio Fonseca. Another forward, Philip Hephzibah, followed up with a goal in the 11th minute of the match.

It didn’t take long for Hephzibah to score another goal, a total of two in this half (2-0).

“I love scoring goals,” Hephzibah said. “Once I got the first, and the second I was looking for the third.”

The Roadrunners started to gain possession and play great offense. Corsairs’ goalie Alexis Hernandez stopped a shot from midfielder Joan Luna. However, the Roadrunners needed much more offense to keep up with the Corsairs’ momentum.

The Corsairs looked confident during halftime and going into the second half. Forward Jefferson Parada scored Santa Monica’s third goal, assisted by Mendoza (3-0). They had another chance with a free kick, but were blocked by the Roadrunners’ goalkeeper Jonathan Valdez.

The Roadrunners’ forward-midfielder Diego Soto attempted a goal but his shot was blocked by Corsairs’ midfielder Josh McCowan. This didn’t stop Rio Hondo, as midfielder Fabian Garcia scored the team’s first goal (3-1).

The Corsairs obtained a penalty kick, enraging the Roadrunners’ players who disagreed with the referees. Valdez blocked the penalty kick, taken by Parada. At this point during the second half, the Corsairs regained possession of the field.

Santa Monica dominated the rest of the match with a goal for Mendoza, assisted by Hephzibah. (4-1). The Corsairs followed up with a goal from forward Gabe Meija, after McCowan was taken off the field with an unknown injury.

The night ended with a 5-1 victory for the Corsairs, improving their record to 5-1-3 on the season. Their next match is Thursday, September 26 at Norco College against the Mustangs.