Men’s Soccer Opens Season with 4-0 Shutout Win Over Mira Costa

(OCEANSIDE) By John M. Sherrard – The Mt. San Antonio College Men's soccer team opened the 2016 season with a 4-0 shutout over host Mira Costa College in a nonconference game.

Sophomore forward Michael Flores (Sierra Vista HS) was the star of the day with three goals, while freshman goalkeeper Edwyn Gutierrez (Connections Academy) posted the shutout with five saves.

Mt. SAC, ranked third in the CCCAA State poll as of September 5, took a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute on a goal by Flores, assisted by sophomore forward Manuel Medina (Los Altos HS).

Thirty minutes later at the 43rd minute, freshman forward Sam Ponting (Hartpury College, GBR) gave the Mounties a 2-0 lead just prior to halftime.

Mt. SAC, which advanced to the CCCAA State Final Four last season, held the 2-0 advantage until the 71st minute when Flores scored an unassisted goal for the 3-0 lead, followed by his third goal in the 90th minute. Flores' goal was assisted by freshman forward Joel Martin (Lawndale HS).