(Walnut, CA) Edward Castro and Matt Palos combined for a goal and assist each as No. 1 seed Mt. SAC (17-2-2) handed No. 4 Golden West (13-3-7) a 2-0 defeat in the third round of the California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Regionals on Saturday. The victory earns the Mounties a spot in the CCCAA State Championships, which begin on Friday, Dec. 3, at Mt. SAC.
Castro scored the first goal of the game in the 17th minute on an assist from Palos, then Palos scored on an assist from Castro in the 86th minute to seal the win.
"This team has had a lot of challenges," Mt. SAC Men's Soccer coach Juan Sanchez said. "These experiences have given them a mindset in a whole different way."
Goalie Jacob Cardenas held the Rustlers scoreless on four saves in 90 minutes.
This is the 12th trip out of 13 last years to the State Championships for the Mounties, and 14th overall. On those occasions, Mt. SAC has claimed the state title five times.
South Coast Conference rival and No. 3 seed El Camino (19-4-1) joins the Mounties as the Southern California representatives in the state tournament. The Warriors upset No. 2 seed Cerritos (17-5-1) by the score of 2-1 to earn a spot in the state finals.
Joining Mt. SAC and El Camino to compete for the state title are No. 1 Hartnell (19-1-3) and No. 10 American River (14-6-3) from the Northern California Region. Pairings and game times have yet to be announced.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.
