It was a week shy of a year ago that Anthony Jimenez scored his first collegiate goal when the then freshman drove in a shot at LA Mission College's El Cariso Field. After missing the team's first three games, Jimenez returned to the Lancers lineup Tuesday for his sophomore debut. Lo and behold, Jimenez was playing at that same field and he again made his presence known.
While last year's goal was in a 3-1 loss, this time Jimenez put on a show as he scored two goals and added an assist to lead the Pasadena City College men's soccer team to a 3-0 shutout over the host Eagles. The letterman scored in the fourth minute, fed a pass on David Vasquez-Mena's goal in the 17th minute, and then finished off the team's first-half explosion on a goal in the 31st minute.
PCC evened its record at 2-2, all four matches played at opposing colleges.
"Anthony is a big factor in our offense, so getting him back on the field was a boost for us," said PCC head coach Gerry Mora. "We took control and capitalized on our opportunities early in the game. It was a great win overall especially on the road."
Steven Sandoval, the Lancers third goalie this season, recorded three saves to keep LA Mission off the scoresheet. PCC's defender group of Bryce Watson, Bryan Garcia, Christopher Munoz and Cesar Flores-Bravo were also instrumental in preventing scoring chances in the Lancers end. Adam Ure also made his Lancers debut off the bench.
PCC continues its 7-game road swing to start the 2018 season on Friday, Sept. 14 at Taft College.