COS Ties LA Mission 1-1 in Defensive Battle

LOS ANGELES, CA – College of the Sequoias men's soccer team remained unbeaten but had to settle for a 1-1 draw against LA Mission on Friday, September 6. Both teams scored in the first half, but solid defensive efforts on both sides left the match level through 90 minutes at El Cariso Park. 

The Giants (3-0-2) took the lead in the 25th minute when Ricardo Lemus-Frausto (Golden West HS) scored unassisted, putting the Giants up 1-0. LA Mission (2-0-1) responded swiftly, equalizing just six minutes later as Marcos Chavez found the back of the net. 

The second half saw chances for both sides, but no goals. LA Mission outshot COS 16-6, with the Giants goalkeeper Zachary Ramirez (Orange Cove HS) making seven crucial saves to keep the score level. LA Mission's Josue Orona also had a strong performance, registering five saves. 

The match was physical, with both teams combining for 33 fouls and six yellow cards. Despite the intensity, neither side could break the deadlock. 

"We fought hard today, and I'm proud of our guys for staying resilient under pressure," said COS head coach Abraham Campos. "Lemus-Frausto's goal was a great moment for us, and we had opportunities to take the lead again, but credit to LA Mission—they're a tough team. We'll take the positives from this and continue building." 

Up next, College of the Sequoias men's soccer will look to maintain their unbeaten start as they return home for their next fixture, which will be a doubleheader against Allan Hancock College this Tuesday, September 10 at Sequoias Stadium, with the Women's playing at 12:00 p.m. and the Men's at 2:00 p.m.