Rio Hondo Sends Men's Soccer To SCC-Opening Defeat

Just three minutes into the second half, the Pasadena City College men's soccer team thought it was about to take a 2-1 lead over state No. 14-ranked Rio Hondo College in the South Coast Conference opener. Asher Smith got past the Roadrunners goalie and footed a shot that at first seemed like was going into a wide open net. But Rio Hondo defender Sebastain Jose Bibian amazingly got his right foot out in time to deflect ball from mid-air and out of harm's way.

The goal that wasn't turned out to haunt the Lancers as Juan Rodriguez finished a breakaway with a goal in the 84th minute that was the difference in a 2-1 Rio Hondo victory. PCC fell to 4-8 overall while RHC upped its record to 7-1-2.

Pasadena trailed 1-0 when a hand ball by Rio Hondo gave the Lancers a penalty kick. Martin Manzanilla canned his team-leading fifth goal on the subsequent shot to tie the game in the 24th minute. Despite outshooting the Roadrunners, 17-12, that would be the only goal for PCC.

With 16 minutes left, Nathan Cruz nearly tied it but was stopped on a diving save by RHC goalie Arturo Bustamante. With extra time about to end a foul allowed PCC a free kick from the 15-yard line. The Lancers sent goalie Paul Jing in front of the Rio Hondo net as Andy Garcia launched the drive. Jing headed the kick but the ball soared wide as the game ended seconds later. 

Jing made six saves in a strong effort. Cameron Montana and Seth Sandoval played all 90 minutes and were standouts overall for the Lancers.

PCC next plays at Long Beach City College on Friday, Oct. 7 in a 3 p.m. conference game.