M. Soccer: Falcons draw with defending state champ

File Photo: Kevin Diaz (9) scored the lone goal for the Falcons
File Photo: Kevin Diaz (9) scored the lone goal for the Falcons

Taking on defending CCCAA State Champion Fresno City College on Friday, the Cerritos College men's soccer team played to a 1-1 tie at Hartnell College. The Falcons (0-1-1) will take on an opponent to be determined on Sunday in the final game of the Hartnell Tournament.

It was a tightly contested battle from the outset, as both schools comprised half of the state final four last season. Cerritos broke the scoreless tie four minutes into the second half when they executed a masterful passing game, which gave them the lead. On the play, freshman Bryan Ortega (Cesar Chavez HS) picked the ball off at midfield and started the play. He then fed the ball to sophomore Erick Gallinar (Connections Academy HS/UC Irvine), who gave it right back to Ortega. Playing with his head up, Ortega spotted freshman Kevin Diaz (Connections Academy HS) up the middle, and he finished off the play with a one-time shot.

With less than 20 minutes remaining, the Rams (0-0-2) were able to score on the Cerritos defense. Streaking down the middle of the field, Fresno City was able to split the defense and scored on sophomore keeper Jordan Aldama (North Torrance HS), who posted four saves on the day.

As a team, the Falcons recorded 28 shots, with 11 of the on goal, while the Rams took just 10 shots.