By Stephanie Holland
By Stephanie Holland
Although it is the most popular sport in the world Soccer has never approached stadium filling status in the United States. Judging by the excitement with which they took the field at RCC’s Norco Campus the Men’s Soccer team hadn’t heard the news.
In its second shutout of the year on September 14 the Tigers defeated Imperial Valley College 2-0. Scoring once in the first half and again in the second on an impressive breakaway goal Sophomore Diego Collazos scored both of RCC’s goals.
In a hard, physical, defensive contest the Tigers kept the pressure on by keeping the ball on the Imperial side of the field for the majority of the match.
The contest was so physical that, at different points in the game, players from both teams took hard hits, but were able to walk it off and get back in the game. The goalies for both teams made several impressive saves with RCC’s team of Carlos Solario and Gabriel Esqueda combining for four saves.
“Even with the win, the team missed opportunities and suffered from a lack of finishing,” Assistant Coach Jose Moreno said. “Once they learn how to finish off their opponents, they expect to do well in their division.”
RCC had one more non-conference game against Mira Costa Sept. 20 that ended in a 3-2 win before starting Orange Empire Conference competition against Irvine Valley Sept. 25, where the Tigers tied 4-4. The Men’s Soccer record now stand at 5-2-1.
The next home game will be Sept. 28 against Orange Coast at the Norco campus at 3 p.m. Sept. 28.