Faced with the daunting task of playing the same team for the third time in three weeks, the Cerritos College men's soccer team saw their season come to an end with a 2-1 loss. Facing South Coast Conference opponent El Camino College in the 3rd Round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs, the #2-seeded Falcons (17-5-1) fell behind 2-0, but their late goal would not be enough and the team was denied a chance at playing for the CCCAA State Championship.

The #3-seeded Warriors (19-4-1), who accomplished the extremely rare feat of beating Cerritos at home, not once, but twice this season, took a 1-0 late in the first half. Cerritos was called for a penalty in the 18-yard box, which resulted in a penalty kick. Justin Ortega stepped up and beat freshman goalkeeper Alex Ledesma (Bellflower HS) in the 35th minute for a 1-0 El Camino lead.

Continuing to attack on offense, Cerritos was unable to solve Warrior goalkeeper Luis Garibay, who made eight saves.

The Warriors would score what proved the be the game-winner in the 72 minute, while Cerritos made it a closer game with their goal in the 80th minute. Freshman Arnold Castillo (Bell Gardens HS) finished off a pass from freshman Pablo Caparelli (Real Salt Lake Academy, UT HS), which resulted in the Falcons attacking even harder on offense. But they could not get another shot past Garibay, and saw their season end.

Photos by Daryl Peterson