With a chance to move into first place in the South Coast Conference South Division, the Cerritos College men's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with host El Camino College on Tuesday. The Falcons (10-2-4, 4-0-3), unbeaten in their last 13 games (9-0-4) still trail the Warriors (12-1-3, 5-1-1) in the divisional standings with two games remaining before the conference tournament. The team will travel to Los Angeles Harbor College on Friday for a 6:30 p.m. conference game.
Cerritos spotted the #4-ranked team in the nation a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute. Although they were getting outshot throughout the game, the Falcons turned to goalkeeper Griffin Welch (Long Beach Poly HS) to keep the game close. He finished the game with eight saves.
It wasn't until the 62nd minute before the Falcons were able to tie the game when Alberto Gomez (Los Alamitos HS) and Edgar Ausencio (Linda Esperanza Marquez HS) sent quick touch passes, which allowed Cesar Solarzano Garcia (California Pacific Charter HS) to find some space and he fired home his third goal of the season.
After withstanding a late attack by the Warriors, which included several set pieces, Cerritos had one last chance to score the game-winner. However, Donovan Perez (South East HS) saw his shot hit the crossbar in the final minutes of the match.
"This was a great result for us and puts us in the driver's seat (for conference)" said head coach Benny Artiaga. "All season we haven't been ranked, yet we're the only unbeaten team in the conference, so our guys play with that little chip on their shoulder. We can secure home field in the conference tournament with a win Friday, as well."