(Walnut, CA) The number one seeded Mt. SAC Men's Soccer Team advanced one step closer to their tenth consecutive trip the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships (Final Four), with an impressive, 4-0, win over visiting San Diego City College (11-6-6). The Mounties (17-2-2) will now face #4 Irvine Valley (#4 seed, 16-4-3), who defeated Rio Hondo College (#5 seed, 9-5-9), 3-2, this Saturday at 2:00 pm, here at the Mt. SAC Soccer Fields.
The state's top-ranked Mounties (17-2-2), behind goal keeper Edwyn Gutierrez' tenth shutout of the season and two goals from sophomore midfielder Axel Mendez, will advance and take on No. 4 seed Irvine Valley College (16-4-3) on Saturday with a state berth on the line. Game time is 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. SAC Soccer Complex. Irvine defeated No. 5 seed Rio Hondo College, 3-2.
"The backline, anchored by (sophomore defender) Miguel Martinez and Gutierrez helped maintain the shut out," Mt. SAC coach Juan Sanchez said.
Guitierrez lowered his goals against average down to 0.63 good for third in the state and save percentage to .862 (third in state).
Mendez, who is the tied for eighth in the state for goals (19) scored, gave the Mounties the 1-0 lead in the first half in the 11th minute. He connected with a left-footed drive, 25 feet out and over the SDCC keepers head. Assisting on the goal was freshman midfielder Jonathon Hernandez.
It was the only goal of the half.
Just two minutes (47th) into the second half, freshman forward Sam Ponting crossed the ball into the box and Mendez tapped it in for his second goal for the 2-0 lead.
The Mounties, who have an eight-game unbeaten streak intact, took a 3-0 lead on sophomore forward Michael Flores's shot (unassisted) off of a rebound that hit the side post in the 53rd minute.
The goal was the 22nd of the season for Flores for sixth place in the state.
The final goal (78th minute) came from the second cross from Ponting in the game and sophomore forward Manuel Medina shot it in for the 4-0 lead.
Tickets are available for purchase at the door and are:
- $12 Adults* (13-54 years of age)
- $8 Seniors* (55 or better)
- $8 Staff/Students* (w/ID)
- $8 Children* (6-12 years of age)
*Prices established by the CCCAA for post conference competition
The winner of the Mt. SAC vs. Irvine Valley Game will advance to the CCCAA Men's Soccer State Championships Final Four, which will be held on Friday and Sunday, December 2nd and 4th, at Ventura College (Ventura, CA).
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.