WALNUT – The Mount San Antonio College men’s soccer team punched its ticket to its fifth state tournament berth in as many seasons by virtue of its 2-1 overtime victory over rivals Cerritos College Saturday afternoon.
Mt SAC advanced to Saturday’s match by virtue of its 3-0 victory over Rio Hondo, while the Falcons advanced by virtue of its 1-1 victory over Santiago Canyon (Cerritos advanced by penalty kicks)
The Mounties took control of the first half, dominating both possession and shots, finally breaking through in the 23rd minute on a Luis Arreano’s strike just out of the reach of Falcons’ goalkeeper Thomas Yendel to take the 1-0 lead. Armando Ochoa had a shot deflect off the top bar in the possession prior to Arreano’s goal which could have given Mt SAC a 2-0 lead.
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In a busier second half both teams combined for 12 shots and three yellow cards as the emotions caused tempers to flare and a brief brawl ensued, but the security was able to quell the situation before it escalated.
“I’m proud of how well the guys were able to keep their composure,” Mounties head coach Juan Sanchez. “I know not to react to anything is difficult but they did a good job in doing that.”
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Mt SAC had another chance to take a 2-0 lead at the 59th minute, but Yendel was able to deflect away a point blank shot. He finished with seven saves.
Cerritos finally got on the board when Ricardo Corvirribas converted a penalty to the upper left corner past Mounties goalkeeper Tony Maldonado in the 88th minute.
“They worked really hard for the tying goal,” Sanchez said. “They pushed us to the limit. We need a team like Cerritos to push us to advance to the next round.”
The Mounties avoided penalties as Ochoa scored in the 98th minute with a run down the left side to retake the lead 2-1.
Cerritos had one last chance to equalize on a free-kick in the 113th minute but the shot went wide over the top.
Mt SAC faces Foothill in one state semifinal match Friday afternoon Consumnes River College in Sacramento. Kickoff is at 2pm.
