The Vaqueros hosted LA City College for the first game of the season, putting up a strong fight but ultimately losing 1-0. Both teams are looking to score their first win and start off strong. Looking at the scoreboard alone, it might not come off as a competitive game, but it was, after a long offseason where players came onto the field with considerable competition. 

From start to finish, this was an aggressive game. From the moment the referee blew the whistle it was game on. The teams did not give each other any breathing room. The first 15 minutes of play saw a lot of physicality from the Vaqueros as the LA City Cubs desperately tried to halt the Vaqueros’ offense. At first, the Vaqueros showed incredible speed, good hustle, and gritty defense. However, all of this changed when GCC’s physicality got the best of them. They caught too many fouls for LA City to take advantage of with penalty kicks. LA City was bound to make a goal off penalty kicks and eventually they did. Daniel Lopez, a player for the Cubs, scored the one and only goal of the entire game. With this goal, the momentum shifted to favor LA City, and the Vaqueros were on defense for the rest of the game. 

GCC tried to rally a comeback with each possession but nothing would fall. The Cubs were determined to stretch the lead while the Vaqueros wanted to ignite an offense going into the second quarter. A constant back and forth battle ensued, which saw LA City up the pressure while GCC turned the ball over in key possessions. 

With tensions running high on the field, the Vaqueros received another foul call. In the last couple minutes of the game the Vaqueros tried to rally for an offensive push towards the Cubs, but found no answer against the Cubs defense. The two teams pushed each other to the limit. GCC tried to break through LA City’s defense but it was a thick stalemate for the remainder of the second quarter. With no time left, the LA City Cubs defeated the GCC Vaqueros 1 to 0. 

Though it may have been a loss for GCC, head coach Laura Matsumoto of the men’s soccer team was able to shed some light on the game and her own expectations for the season ahead. “We unified and did not concede another goal,” she said. “I am proud of the team for sticking together. We have to find the chemistry of talented players to reach their potential, and increase goal shots. Get the offense going.” With the season just starting, there’s plenty of time to organize the team into a force to be reckoned with. Chemistry is a very important factor, as said by Louis Zepeda of the GCC men’s soccer team. “The team isn’t as experienced as other teams,” Zepeda explained. “Teammates are a little scared, and take time to get into rhythm. We don’t have the experience yet.” While GCC was hoping to win against the LA City Cubs, the loss has not wavered player momentum at all. Head coach Matsumoto and the players are determined to come back even stronger.

Sean Canonico can be reached at [email protected].