Men's Soccer Earns First Win of the Season in 2-1 Victory Over Canyons

Men's Soccer earned its first win of the season today, Tuesday, October 21, defeating College of the Canyons 2-1 at home.

With the win, the Owls improve to 1-13-1 overall and 1-3 in conference play, while the Cougars fall to 3-8-3 overall and 1-3 in conference.

In a competitive and tightly contested first half, both teams traded chances on goal — Citrus recorded five shots to Canyons' seven. The Owls broke through in the 17th minute when Jason Lopez netted his first goal of the season, assisted by his brother Justin Lopez. Justin made an incredible play up the right sideline, using a Maradona move to beat a Canyons defender before sending a cross into the box that Jason secured and finished past the Cougar keeper. Despite earning four corner kicks to Citrus' two, Canyons was unable to equalize before halftime.

Citrus kept up the pressure early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Jerry Morones scored his first goal of the year off an assist from Ashton Sangadeo, who tapped the ball across the middle of the box for Morones to shot past the right of the keeper, extending the lead to 2-0.

Canyons responded with an aggressive attack, firing 13 second-half shots to Citrus' five. The Cougars scored in the 72nd minute to make it 2-1, but the Owls' defense — led by goalkeeper AJ Baragan — held firm to secure the victory. Baragan was stellar in goal, making 11 saves on 12 shots on target, including several key stops during Canyons' late push.

Stat Leaders

• Jason Lopez: 1 goal (2 shots)

• Justin Lopez: 1 assist, 2 shots (1 on goal)

• Jerry Morones: 1 goal (2 shots on goal)

• Ashton Sangadeo: 1 assist, 2 shots on goal

• Kevin Cardenas: 1 shot on goal

• AJ Baragan: 11 saves

The Owls will look to build on the momentum when they host Antelope Valley College this Friday, October 24, at 12 p.m. in another conference matchup.