MOORPARK, October 17, 2023 — On a day that seemed tailor-made for soccer, the Los Angeles Mission College Men's Soccer Team, affectionately known as the Eagles, showcased a masterclass in both offense and defense against Moorpark, blanking the home team with a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
The Eagles came into the game with a solid record (6-2-7, 2-1-1) and improved it further with a performance that saw them control the game from the opening whistle to the final blow by the referee. The team's offensive prowess was on full display with a total of 14 shots, 10 on goal, ensuring the Moorpark goalie had a busy day between the sticks.
LA Mission set the tone early in the match when forward Ricardo Govea broke the deadlock at the 23rd-minute mark, delivering a stunning unassisted goal that sent the visiting team's fans into a frenzy. The Eagles held onto this slender lead until half-time, with Moorpark unable to capitalize on their 2 corner kicks and trailing behind in shot attempts.
The second half saw the Eagles soar higher as they dominated the scoreboard. Diego Rodriguez doubled the lead shortly after the break with another unassisted goal, demonstrating the team's ability to find the back of the net without reliance on set pieces. The Eagles continued to press forward, and their aggressive play was rewarded when forward Justin Gonzalez, with the help of Kevin Arreola, found the net at the 76th minute, increasing the lead to a comfortable 3-0.
Not content with a single goal, Gonzalez struck again just over three minutes later, recording his second of the day and sealing the fate of the game at 4-0. This brace highlighted his offensive capabilities and no doubt played a key role in earning him player of the match accolades.
While the offense enjoyed the spotlight, the defense was equally impressive. Goalkeeper Jose Mendiola maintained a clean sheet, turning away both shots on goal with the poise of a seasoned professional. The backline, including steadfast performances from players like Denny Alas and Maika Apana Bates, kept Moorpark's attempts at bay.
The only blemish for the Eagles was a yellow card received by Eduardo Reyes, reminding the team to maintain discipline amidst aggressive gameplay.
Moorpark, despite their efforts and 9 shot attempts, could not penetrate the Eagles' defense, leaving their goalkeeper Billy Periez to face 10 shots on goal, managing to save 6. The home team struggled to find any rhythm and was shut out without a single score on their tally.
The game statistics told the story of LA Mission's dominance: more shots, more saves, and more goals. Corner kicks and fouls remained low for both teams, indicating a game that flowed freely without many interruptions.
As the evening drew to a close at Moorpark, the scoreline reflected a game that was controlled by LA Mission from start to finish. With a final score of 4-0, the Eagles had every reason to hold their heads high. The win was a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion as a unit, qualities they will hope to carry forward into the rest of the season.
The Eagles will look to build on this victory as they continue their quest for soccer excellence. For Moorpark, it's back to the drawing board as they seek to regroup and find a way to bounce back in their next outing.
Game MVP: Justin Gonzalez, Forward - 2 Goals
Notable Performances:
- Ricardo Govea, Forward - 1 Goal
- Diego Rodriguez, Midfielder - 1 Goal
- Kevin Arreola, Forward - 1 Assist
Next up for the Eagles is a match that promises to test their mettle, as they aim to climb higher in the standings and prove that this victory is just a sign of things to come.