Men's Soccer Dominates At Southwestern, 3-0

Martin Manzanilla is another key returner from the '19 Lancers and scored a goal in Tuesday's win.
Martin Manzanilla is another key returner from the '19 Lancers and scored a goal in Tuesday's win.

The Pasadena City College men's soccer team established a relentless attack and a stifling defense in blanking host Southwestern, 3-0, in a non-conference game on Tuesday. It was the first victory by a Lancers team since Nov. 15, 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic layoff.

The Lancers evened their record at 1-1 thanks in part to outshooting Southwestern, 18-2. PCC was led by reserve freshman midfielder Andy Garcia, who earned two assists. 

In the 33rd minute, Garcia delivered a set piece with another frosh sub Kareem Browne heading in the pass for a 1-0 PCC lead. In the second half, it took a while but the Lancers broke through in the 75th minute when Garcia sent a long lead ground pass to a streaking Mario Urbina. The sophomore striker scored his second goal in two games as he dribbled past the top of the box and slipped a short shot past Jaguars goalie Austin Angulo. Urbina has a remarkable seven-game points scoring streak going back to the end of the '19 season. He has four goals and five assists during the current streak.

Five minutes later in the 80th minute, another sub midfielder Seth Sandoval put a long cross to starting sophomore midfielder Martin Manzanilla, who lifted a high shot over Angulo's head into the back of the net. Manzanilla, who scored three goals over the team's final five games two years ago, has points now in both of PCC's games.

Defensively, frosh defenders Edson Zamorran, who also is a placekicker on the PCC football team, and Erik Perez stood out in limiting Southwestern's offense from opportunities. Lancers first-year goalie Paul Jing only had to make two saves in picking up his first collegiate win and shutout.

On Friday, Sept 3., Pasadena hosts College of the Desert in a 3 p.m. kickoff at Robinson Stadium. As of the time of this release, no fans are permitted into the stadium due to the school's current PCC COVID-19 protocols.