The City College men’s soccer team played an aggressive match against the Allan Hancock Bulldogs on Oct. 10 at La Playa Stadium, where they tied 0-0.
The Vaqueros started the match with possession and attacked early when center forward David Avila sent a pass to center midfielder Cristiano Alvarez. Alvarez attempted a shot off, but the ball bounced around the goal just before Allan Hancock’s keeper saved it.
City College kept up with the early attacks with multiple corner kicks, free kicks and crosses at the beginning of the game. All of which the Bulldog defense defused.
City College was completely controlling the pace during the game and refused to give up possession.
Physicality was a theme throughout the night, with the whistle being heard a lot. Both teams had early attacks ended due to fouls called. The Vaqueros used the physicality to their benefit, especially on the defensive end.
“We always emphasize what we can do to be the better team,” Head coach Alex Zermeno said. “It was about us doing what we do best and we played a hell of a game.”
The Bulldogs rarely crossed midfield and when they did it was immediately cleared by the Vaqueors.
In the 37th minute, the Bulldogs finally mounted an attack. Allan Hancock had a shot on goal, but Vaqueros goalkeeper Arturo Alegria made a diving stop that put an end to the Bulldog’s effort.
Towards the end of the first half, Allan Hancock ramped up the attack which sent multiple passes upfield and got a free kick. City College met them every time, clearing these passes and turning them into counterattacks. Vaqueros center back Xavier Salisbury was in the middle of the defensive effort, stopping the Bulldog free kick and sending the game to halftime scoreless.
“If we can do our job from behind we can push it up the field,” Salisbury said. “It all starts from us boys at the back.”
The second half was more of the same. Outside back Noah Jimenez started the half with a steal to regain possession and the Vaqueros controlled the pace from there.
City College was relentless with its attacks, yet no shot had fallen. It was opportunity after opportunity. Countless corners and breakaway chances, but the Vaqueros did not find the net.
With the final whistle drawing close, City College had very few chances left. Seemingly the final chance, a ball was sent upfield to midfielder Mariodavid Vega. Vega dribbled the ball down the sideline and sent in a cross.
There were multiple City College players in the area, but no one could put the ball in. The game finished in a 0-0 tie and disappointment was shown on the Vaqueros players’ faces.
“We’re looking to bounce back as soon as possible and get the tie out of our heads,” Vega said. “We’re going to bond tomorrow and go back to the drawing board on Monday [to] get some finishing in.”
The next City College men’s soccer match will be on Oct. 14 on the road at Oxnard College.
