Mounties Defeat Cerritos, 1-0, in a Conference Crossover Match.

Midfielder Juan Sanchez attacking from the left side. Photo courtesy of Dave Aguilera.
Midfielder Juan Sanchez attacking from the left side. Photo courtesy of Dave Aguilera.
By John M. Sherrard
 
(WALNUT) With a tough defensive battle on Friday against Cerritos College, the Mountie men's soccer team won, 1-0, in a South Coast Conference crossover game and strengthened their No. 1 ranking in the state.

Mt. SAC, with the win upped its overall record to 10-1-1 overall. Cerritos, which remains in first in the SCC South slipped to 6-3-4 overall.

"That was a high, intense game last night," Mt. SAC coach Juan Sanchez said. "We created numerous opportunities."

After a scoreless first half, Mt. SAC sophomore midfielder Juan Sanchez gave the Mounties the 1-0 lead in the 78th minute on a goal assisted by sophomore midfielder Axel Mendez.

"Juan had a great game, creating unbalance on the flank. He was rewarded with the game-winning goal."

Mendez took the shot from the top of the 18-yard box, but the Cerritos keeper deflected it to Sanchez who followed it up with the goal.

The goal was Sanchez' second of the season and Mendez collected his fourth assist.

Mt. SAC freshman goalkeeper Edwyn Gutierrez recorded his sixth shutout of the season and upped his record to 9-1-1. He leads the state with his six shutouts. Gutierrez, who has not allowed a goal in his last four games, made four saves in the game.

Mt. SAC sophomore defenders, Miguel Martinez and Gabriel Silva, "had solid performances for the backline," Coach Sanchez added. "We had a very good defensive game doing a good job closing spaces."
Mt. SAC travels to El Camino-Compton Center on Tuesday for a 4:00 p.m. game.

For more information contact Mt. SAC Sports Information at 909.274.4630.