By John M. Sherrard

(Walnut, CA) The defending CCCAA State Champion Mt. SAC Men's Soccer team began where they left off last season, with a 3-0 shutout win over Oxnard College Saturday in a nonconference game at the Mountie Soccer complex.

Scoring two goals was sophomore forward Sam Ponting and last season's state playoff MVP goalkeeper, Edwyn Gutierrez, recorded his first shutout. Gutierrez, who had 17 wins and 12 shutouts last season, made three saves in the game.

"Overall it was a good quality win, but we need improvement in our finishing," Mt. SAC head coach Juan Sanchez said. "I thought we did a very good job defending and not allowing Oxnard to build out of the back."

The Mounties took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute on a set play that started when freshman defender Jorge Estrada crossed the ball into the box and was redirected to Ponting who put the ball away.

Mt. SAC did not score its second goal until the 78th minute on a penalty kick by Ponting, which came after freshman forward Jose "Angel" Santoyo was brought down in the box on a through ball.

The Mounties finished the scoring for the 3-0 lead just five minutes later (83rd minute) when freshman defender Alfonso Lopez scored his first college goal on a strong shot from 18 yards at the top of the box that came out on a rebound by the Oxnard keeper. 

Mt. SAC continues nonconference action this Tuesday with a 7:00 pm game at the Mounties soccer complex against Mira Costa College.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.