Published September 12, 2009
The Oxnard College men’s soccer team absolutely obliterated a helpless Pasadena City College team, with stellar defense and offensive firepower, to down the Lancers 6-0 at Oxnard Friday afternoon.
The Lancers did not even get a shot on goal until the 21st minute, as the Condors were able to control the ball the majority of the game. Constantly putting the Lancers on the defensive, the Condors offense eventually overpowered the Lancers on a goal by forward Emigdio Ramirez in the 40th minute.
Two minutes later, midfielder Max Madrigal followed his header off the post, and nailed a strike into the net, giving the Condors a 2-0 lead. The Condors continued to dominate, shutting down the Lancer offense with solid defense and great ball movement. Five minutes into the second half, sophomore leader Nathan Lytle scored a goal on a great feed from defender Ernesto Ayala.
Leading 3-0, the Condors continued to pour on the goals, scoring three more in the half, including two in the final five minutes. Madrigal led the team with two goals and an assist, playing exceptionally well off the bench.
In a game that featured goals from five different Condor players, head coach Russ Greaney was pleased to see so much balance in his team’s offense.
“We have a very diverse, talented team,” he said. “It’s a positive sign so many guys can score goals.”
After allowing 14 goals in its first three games, the Condors shut out the Lancers, showing a vast improvement from previous games.
Midfielder Johnny Martinez noticed their improvement on the defensive end, stating that the defense had been their number one concern coming into today’s game.
“[Our] first priority was to not give up any goals,” he said. “We’re taking steps forward.”
At 1-2-1, Greaney emphasized the importance of the team’s improvement on the defensive end.
“We were definitely able to set the tempo [for the game],” he said. “We were a lot more secure defensively.”
The Condors hope to put on another defensive show when they travel to Chaffey College Tuesday, Sept. 15. The game is set to start at 4 p.m.