Men's Soccer Rises To No. 15 In State Poll

For the first time in eight years, a Pasadena City College men's soccer team won four straight games, accomplishing the feat with a 3-2 triumph at El Camino College on Tuesday. The Lancers further got good news with being picked No. 15 on the State Top 15 Rankings. 

PCC improved to 9-3-3 on the season under first-year head coach Henry Cabral. PCC bolted to a commanding 3-0 halftime lead thanks to goals in the seventh minute by Oscar Vanegas (rebound tally), in the 10th minute by Artin Almary (assisted by Manuel Chavez), and in the 34th minute by Yader Rodriguez who took a pass from Alexander Hernandez. It was Rodriguez' team-leading sixth score.

El Camino made it interesting, cutting the lead to one in the 78th minute on a shot by Yushi Kato. But Pasadena held on for the win. The Lancers had both a 4-game and 5-game win streak during the 2008 season, a year where they finished third in the South Coast Conference, and last won a playoff game, a 4-2 overtime win over Los Angeles Harbor.

The Lancers are an impressive 6-1-1 against all SCC opponents, but because the league split to two divisions they hold only a 2-1-1 record in the North Division. 

PCC has a big rematch on Friday, Oct. 28 against rival and state No. 3-ranked Mt. San Antonio. The Lancers lost in their first meeting, 5-1, at Mt. SAC, but now get to face the Mounties at Robinson Stadium where the team is a perfect 4-0. Game time is 4 p.m. following the women's game.