By Liliana Marquez
The men’s soccer team sank in the South Coast Conference rankings after a 1-0 defeat at El Camino College last Friday at El Camino.
ELAC didn’t capitalize on their many opportunities despite dominating most of the game, according to Head Coach Eddie Flores.
Husky Ivann Salcedo had the first goal attempt for the Huskies in the 12th minute after receiving a pass from teammate Adolfo Larios. However, Warrior’s goalkeeper Nolan Dean blocked the shot.
ELAC started a play in a counterattack when Daniel Llanos kicked the ball to Salcedo, who also failed to take advantage of an opportunity.
A goal by Warrior Jess Chamberlain in the 35th minute was enough to sentence the game. ELAC’s Jonathan Barajas committed a foul and the referee awarded a free kick to ECC.
Warrior Luis Najera’s shot was deflected by a Husky player who sent the ball to the front of the goal where Chamberlain kicked it into the net.
Husky Christian Altamira had a chance to score with a point-blank shot after a corner kick by Llanos, but Warrior goalkeeper Dean prevented the score.
The second half started with a shot on target by the Warriors, but ELAC goalkeeper Juan Escobar was able to stop the shot.
Husky Carlos del Campo tried to score missing a shot that went over the crossbar.
A mistake by Dean gave the Huskies a free kick and an opportunity to open the scoring for ELAC. Del Campo kicked the ball outside of the posts.
The Huskies kept attacking and searching for the goal with several chances to score, but Dean made crucial saves throughout the half. Escobar admitted that Dean had a good performance.
Escobar said that the Huskies’ mistakes contributed to Dean’s performance. He also said that he felt frustrated because the Huskies displayed a better performance.
“Dean was good. We were told to cross the ball away from him and we failed. With all due respect, we only made him look good,” Escobar said.
“We came out stronger, but things didn’t come out the way we wanted, but like our coaches said, ‘Stay strong together. Things come out, but that’s the game of soccer.’ My teammates and I are staying together as family.”
Flores added, “I think it was a horrible outcome. We played well but didn’t win. We had many opportunities to finish and score. I am speechless besides being upset. We should have won this game by a lot. It is frustrating. This was a crucial game for us,” Flores said.
The Huskies who stand 4-5-4 overall and 2-4 in the SCC will face Long Beach City College Friday at Weingart Stadium at 6 p.m.