The Lancers men’s soccer team produced a clinical display and earned their first victory by dominating Santa Monica 4-0 in searing heat at Robinson Stadium Friday.
Pasadena’s defenders produced an excellent performance, allowing their midfielders and forwards to flourish with a cohesive attack.
Forward Kevin Geddes fed off Diego Gonzalez’ swift assist and opened PCC’s scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful strike. Gonzalez, a midfielder, netted a goal off a brillant pass from Christopher Sinani, which put the Lancers up 2-0 with four minutes until halftime.
Freshman Gonzalez battled some nerves before the game, but it certainly didn’t show with the way he set the game up for PCC.
“We did what we needed to do and I think because we really needed to win this game, this helped our performance a lot,” Gonzalez said.
Sophomore Briley Venti was another standout performer with two goals in the second half. His second goal came on a pinpoint header after his teammate’s attempted shot ricocheted off the goalkeeper.
“We passed really well, defended as a team which is what we haven’t been doing lately,” Venti said.
Lancers’ coach Edgar Manvelyan, who steered PCC last season to their first playoff showing in seven years, singled out his four-man backline for controlling the game and setting up the shutout win. He also had special praise for captains George Barba and Victor Menchaca for their inspiring performances.
“The boys played a fantastic game and I’m very proud of their performance. I’m happy the plan and formation worked, I like to score,” Manvelyan said.
Manvelyan also praised Geddes for making several great runs and scoring the first goal. Geddes was unlucky to miss a couple of other shots, including one excellent save by the Corsair’s goalie.
Goalkeeper David Orellana overcame cramps midway through the first half to produce an impenetrable performance in front of the net.
Even though the Corsairs were down 2-0 at the break, they threw everything at the Lancers in the first half, especially in many physical, one-on-one exchanges. This took a toll on Santa Monica, which resulted in their intensity being sapped in the second half.
PCC’s airtight performance holds them in great stead with two games to play in less than 72 hours next week. Santa Barbara City College hosts the Lancers on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Santa Ana plays Pasadena at Robinson Stadium at 3 p.m. on Friday.
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