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The Antelope Valley College (1-1-3) earned an important victory against conference rival, Glendale College (2-1-2). AVC Men's Soccer Team has faced against California top ranking teams in their pre-season and conference games. Winless in their past six games, due to some very questionable calls, the Marauders have conceeded three penalty kicks in their last three games, including their last match against Glendale College.
AVC celebrates goal scored by Christopher Cortez and assisted by Dylan Gonzalez
The Marauders, had to earn the victory versus Glendale College or could of seen their chances for a conference championship near to impossible. With their victory, the Marauders have six points, just two points behind Glendale College. However, the Marauders would have the tie breaker versus Glendale College, due to the victory earned on the road (their first match of the season ended in a tie).
The game started with both teams physically challenging each other. Dylan Gonzalez had yet another outstanding defensive performance, clearing the ball from going into the net multiple times.
Christopher Cortez, scored the first goal for the Marauders in the 12th minute of the first half. Dylan Gonzalez earned an assist when he was able to head the ball towards Christopher Cortez, whom followed through in the far post with a diving header, sending it past Glendale's goalkeeper.
At the end of the first half, the Marauders failed to clear the ball and Wilmer Bonilla tied the score for the home team. The Marauders found themselves, yet again, in familiar territory, conceding a goal right before the end of a half.
When the second half began, Glendale would start to move their lines higher, trying to put pressure on the visiting Marauders. However, the outstanding defensive line, led by Dylan Gonzalez and Raymond Clark, the Marauders were able to clear the ball out of danger and allowed the midfield to take more control of the possession. Christopher Gonzalez and Rodrigo Martinez were able to find open passing lanes, creating many attacking opportunities.
In the 64th minute, Dakota Duncan (backup goalkeeper) picked up the ball in the box and immediately sent the ball forward towards Rodrigo Martinez, whom took advantage of the lack of defenders covering him and sent a perfect pass to Brian Lima.
Brian Lima received the pass going towards the left sideline, however, he was able to spin and cut back inside, leaving defenders and goalkeeper behind and placing a shot to the bottom left of the goal to put the Marauders ahead 2-1. The goal became the 11th of the season for Brian Lima (11 goals and 8 assists). Rodrigo Martinez earned his 3rd assist for the season (7 goals and 3 assists).
The Marauders, continued to put pressure on the home team, just to be denied by Glendale's goalkeeper, Alfredo Tejada, whom in the second half clear the ball out of danger for a total of four saves.
The Marauders will host Bakersfield College this Tuesday at 4:00 PM.
Photography provided by William Ortiz