The Chargers Tame the Tigers

The Chargers' men's soccer team defended against the high scoring Tigers of Riverside to secure a 1-3 victory on Friday, Oct. 9 at Cypress College.

In the fourth minute of the game, Charger freshman Nelson Preciado #22 sent a perfect corner kick into the box. The ball went through a crowd of players and Charger freshman Jose Torres #10 headed the ball towards the goal. Charger freshman Ivan Rodriguez #11 got a foot on the ball and sent it up high into the net for the Chargers first goal of the game.

The game was tied 1-1 when Tiger freshman Edgar Gomez #10 won the ball among a group of Charger defenders. #10 sent the ball to Tiger freshman Jimmy Martinez #15 who quickly kicked a scoring shot past the Charger goalkeeper Nathan Fletcher #00 in the 34th minute. Martinez is the conference's leading scorer.

The Chargers immediately regained the lead 1-2 when Charger freshman Carlos Quinones #25 kicked an uncontested pass into the goal box from the left corner of the field. Torres ran into the box and sent a header into the net in the 38th minute.

The Chargers continued to attack the Tiger's goal. Charger freshman Bryan Arguello #19 initiated a give-n-go play with Charger freshman Hugo Trejo #17 and forced the Tiger goalkeeper to make a great save. A few minutes later Trejo kicked a shot on goal that ricocheted off the crossbar.

The score remained 1-2 at halftime. During the second half, Charger freshman Manuel Espinoza #8 kicked a shot on goal that ricocheted off the crossbar. Espinoza carried the ball from midfield and sent a shot on goal from outside the penalty box. The ball deflected off a Tiger defender and trickled passed the Tiger goalkeeper. The insurance goal was scored in the 79th minute.

The Chargers frustrated the high scoring Tiger offense holding them to only one goal. Consistent defense and several key saves by Fletcher contributed 1-3 win. The Chargers earned their second victory in a row and their first Orange Empire Conference win at home.

Enjoy the Goals, Saves, Interviews & Battling (GSIB) highlight video.