The Collegian

Issue date: 10/15/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Steven Martinez

After battling hard for 90 minutes, the Mustangs' soccer team players were excited to finish with a 1-0 loss against nationally-ranked powerhouse Santa Rosa Junior College. They were excited about the performance, despite being scored upon in the final 10 minutes. The heart of the Mustangs provided a huge boost as they gave the Santa Rosa team a run for their money in the first league game of the year.

"We went toe-to-toe with them. We focused today and proved our team has came a long way," Alan Cerecero said.

The highly talented Santa Rosa team had plenty of opportunities and dominated the time of possession in the firsthalf. Delta goalkeeper Hector Arredondo swatted away the barrage of shots and picked up eight saves in the half. The defensive marking was tremendous, as Santa Rosa found it impossible to take a close or open shot.

"Everyone on defense stepped up today. It was a great game and complete team effort," said Arredondo.

The secondhalf saw a confident Delta team defend their home turf ferociously. At times they dropped all but a forward to the defensive third. This plan visibly frustrated and slowed the Santa Rosa attack.

"They [Delta defense] played great pressure defense. We played to contain their offense and then counterattack wisely if we had the opportunity. Our back four [defenders]: Richard (Ramos), Alan (Cerecero), Javi (Hernandes), and Jorge (Araiza) stepped up and will be our team's highlight for the rest of the season," said Delta coach Tom Hoang.

In the 80th minute, the team had a small breakdown. Off a corner kick a Santa Rosa forward was given a half-step, and he headed the ball quickly into the back of the net. The goal ultimately proved to be the lone goal of the game.

According to Hoang, the playoffs are up in the air and the next few games will dictate the fate of the team.

The Mustang team is loaded with potential, but lacks much of an offensive presence. They are missing a link on the offensive end and will need someone to stand out if they want to fill the scoreboard.

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