Through the first seven games of the season, the Cerritos College men's soccer team has kept their opponent off the scoreboard. The school record consecutive shutout streak continued on Tuesday, as the Falcons (4-0-3), blanked host Taft College. The team has moved up to #6 in the national ranking by the United Soccer Coaches among Division III (non-scholarship) community college teams. Cerritos will now get a week's rest before they open South Coast Conference crossover play and host Pasadena City College at 4:00 p.m. next Tuesday.
"I'm really proud of this team for getting yet another shutout," said head coach Benny Artiaga. "Taft is a very tough place to play and without our captain (Jose Ponce), I didn't know how we would react."
The Falcons came out and immediately had a scoring chance, as sophomore Hector Jimenez (South East HS)sent a pass into the 18-yard box to sophomore Oscar Canela (Paramount HS), but had his shot attempt blocked. Still early in the first half, sophomore Marc Calderon (Elizabeth Learning Center HS) sent a set piece pass to sophomore Jose Rivera (Torrance HS), who also had his shot deflected, with his rebound attempt coming up short. Before the end of the first half, Cerritos had several more scoring chances.
They finally found the back of the net in the 71st minute when the Falcons strung together numerous passes on their push from their own end of the field. Sophomore Adrian Becerra (Morningside HS) passed to sophomore Luis Garcia (La Habra HS), who quickly got the ball to freshman Christian Perez (Paramount HS). The give-and-go back to Garcia allowed him to take on the final Cougars defender at the 18-yard box, where he made a great move and lined a shot into the net.
"Chris (Perez) did a great job of holding the ball on a pass from Luis (Garcia), who in turn, made a run off the ball, where Chris gave it back to him," added Artiaga. "(Another) great shot by Luis resulted in a goal. I was really pleased with the play of Eric Payeras, who anchored the defense and played yet another great game."
Freshman Jordan Aldama (North Torrance HS) picked up his sixth shutout of the season and made six saves.
December 7, 2017
M. Soccer: Luis Garcia named All-American
December 1, 2017
M. Soccer: Magical season comes to an end after PK loss
November 25, 2017
M. Soccer: Penalty kicks win sends Falcons to state tournament
November 22, 2017
M. Soccer: Playoff win moves team one step closer to Final Four
November 14, 2017
M. Soccer: Unbeaten Falcons seeded #1 for playoffs
November 11, 2017
M. Soccer: Win secures unbeaten regular season
November 9, 2017
M. Soccer: Tie clinches divisional title for the Falcons
November 7, 2017
Cerritos soccer to host Operation Care Package
November 7, 2017
M. Soccer: Offense lights up scoreboard in shutout win
November 3, 2017
M. Soccer: Team plays to scoreless draw
October 31, 2017
M. Soccer: Early goal doesn't slow down Falcons
October 27, 2017
M. Soccer: Slow start rebounds into 4-1 win
October 24, 2017
M. Soccer: Goal in 90th minute gives team 2-1 win
October 20, 2017
M. Soccer: Ninth win in a row supported by shutout
October 17, 2017
M. Soccer: Aggressive attack leads to 3-1 win
October 13, 2017
M. Soccer: Win over rival keeps team unbeaten
October 6, 2017
M. Soccer: First half output puts LA Harbor away
October 3, 2017
M. Soccer: Offensive output leads to divisional win
September 29, 2017
M. Soccer: Team remains unbeaten after 3-1 win
September 26, 2017
M. Soccer: Shutout keeps Falcons unbeaten
September 19, 2017
M. Soccer: Second half goal secures win for Falcons
September 15, 2017
M. Soccer: Dominant performance turned in by Falcons
September 8, 2017
M. Soccer: Falcons record fifth straight shutout
September 3, 2017
M. Soccer: Cerritos plays to second straight scoreless tie
September 1, 2017
M. Soccer: Falcons play to scoreless draw against Hartnell
August 29, 2017
M. Soccer: Defensive effort accompanies offensive support in win
August 25, 2017
M. Soccer First game nets seven goals for the Falcons