Men's Soccer Update

Last Friday, October 23rd, the COS Men's Soccer team faced and defeated conference opponent Fresno City, 1-0. The men jumped to the lead in the first half, getting a goal in the 34th minute by sophomore Abel Correa of Delano after receiving a pass from freshmen Josue Magana of Lindsay, who recorded his second assist of the year. The men held the early lead for their first conference win of the season. Coach Scott Rogers was very happy with his men's performance as they "played hard from start to finish." "They were very stout defensively and opportunistic throughout the game."

The Giants had some strong performances earlier this season, one being against Ohlone College of Fremont where they played very aggressively, holding a great pace of play, and never letting up. They defeated Ohlone 5-1. Freshmen forward Danny Ruiz of Redwood went on to score 4 of the 5 goals that day with 2 in the first half at the 24th and 34th minutes assisted by Edy Magana and Hector Robes. In the second half he scored in the 47th and 59th minutes which were assisted by Robles and freshmen Moises Moreno of Golden West. In the 82nd minute Sophomore Samir Lopes secured the win with their 5th goal assisted by Daniel Villareal.

Later the Giants would be put to to the test as they met their strong conference opponent West Hills of Lemoore. The game got off to a quick start with West Hills making the first goal 4 minutes into the first half. The Giants quickly responded with a goal by Hector Robles in the 8th minute assisted by Danny Ruiz. In the 16th minute freshmen Juan Diego Medina of Porterville hooked up with Robles to take the lead, 2-1, in the first half. In the second half West Hills answered with a goal in the 64th minute but the Giants were resilient pulling back into the lead at the 70th minute by Daniel Villareal assisted by freshmen Iago De Souza of Rio De Janiero, Brazil. With 5 minutes left in the second half, West Hills got another goal to tie the game sending the game into overtime where West Hills secured the win in the 94th minute. Although the Giants fell to West Hills 4-3, Coach Rogers believes that the men battled strong from the start, showcasing their true potential when they give their full attention and commitment to themselves, their team and the game.

Rogers has seen great progression in the men's program from the beginning of the season till now. With most of the team entering the season as freshmen and only 8 sophomores to pave the way for the newcomers, Rogers quickly recognized that the young group would need to learn to transition from the high school skill level to the new and more intensively demanding college atmosphere. By instilling discipline and increasing motivation and soccer IQ, Rogers has began to develop the high level of talent that this group bestows. Through out the year they have worked on establishing technical ability and tactic. Teaching them how to defend from anywhere in the park has also been a key to their training. They have been focusing on offensive tactics; the movement of the ball. The men have become a more cohesive unit and are rounding into form.

Helping to implant these expectations into the group is Freshmen midfielder Danny Villareal of Delano. Rogers stated that Villareal is a "workhorse in the middle and knows that he will always give 110% at every game." Villareal has scored 5 goals this season and has had 1 assist. Sophomore Edy Magana of Lindsay has been another key contributor and leader defensively for the team. Magana has aided with 3 assists and contributed 1 goal to the team this season. Rogers has named Hector Robles the silent leader within the group. The freshmen forward of Monache has scored 3 goals and has recorded 3 assists.

With 3 conference games left this season, the team wishes to put their best foot forward and focus on what they can control from this point. Playing at their potential could put them in position for first place in the Central Valley Conference which is one of their main goals this season.

The COS Men's Soccer team will be traveling to face Taft College this Friday, October 30th. Following Taft they will travel to Lemoore to challenge West Hills on Friday, November 6th and from there they will wrap up their season at home against Fresno City on Friday, November 13th in their quest for a conference title.