Men's Soccer Rises To State #8, Best Start In Program History

In the history of Pasadena City College men's soccer, the Lancers have never had a start like this 2025 season. After PCC learned it had moved up to #8 on the CCCSIA State Top 20, the squad extended its season-long undefeated streak to 10 games in posting a 4-0 win over College of the Desert at Robinson Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

In 2000, the Lancers put together a school-record 12-match win streak, but that occurred after an early season loss. A quarter of a century later, Pasadena is 7-0-3 overall and stands as just one of four teams left in the state without a loss. The others are #3 Santa Monica (6-0-4), #6 Santa Rosa JC (7-0-2), and #13 Las Positas (8-0-1). 

Desert (1-6-3) controlled the game's first 25 minutes before speedy frosh forward Solemon Alveno-Donofrio slipped through the Roadrunners defense after a race that started near midfield. Alveno-Donofrio then buried a drive into the right corner of the net for his second game-winning goal in as many games in the 28th minute. 

In the 62nd minute, Junior Martinez Cortes received a through ball pass from Evin Lavarreda and knocked it in a for 2-0 lead. Fourteen minutes later, Alveno-Donofrio created a breakaway, sending a cross to Cristian Villegas who rocketed in a goal from the 8-yard line. PCC capped the scoring in the 87th minute as Joseph Parra headed in a corner kick by David Canales. 

Alveno-Donofrio, Julian Zuniga and Lavarreda were a big reason why the Lancers outshot COD, 12-4, in the second half. Jeremiah Alomo was solid on both ends while Matthew Gilmore (first half, three saves) and Leo Mendoza (second half, one save) combined for the goalie shutout. 

"It's never easy to go 10 games wtihout a loss" said PCC head coach Francisco Cantero, who has directed the Lancers to a 22-9-3 record since the beginning of the 2024 season. "This group has done a great job of essentially turning the page each game to be ready for the next opponent. Rotations have happened because of injuries and the next player up has done their job properly. We look forward to this last week of non-conference play before we go into our tough South Coast Conference, where we know we'll have a battle every single match."

On Sept. 26, Alveno-Donofrio netted the game's only goal two minutes into the second half in a 1-0 road victory at College of the Canyons. Villegas earned an assist on the score. In the 70th minute, Gilmore made a dazzling save on a penalty kick by COC's Andrew Sorto. It was the third time this season, Gilmore stopped a PK. 

On Friday, Oct. 3, PCC visits Bakersfield for the team's last non-conference game in a 4 p.m. kickoff.