Diego Albanez (Valley Christian H.S.) scored in the second and 87th minute, and assisted Jesus Moreno (Millikan H.S.) in between to help Long Beach win their final preseason game 3-1 on the road. The win brings the team's preseason record to 3-1-4.
Right from the start, Long Beach was ready to attack as they did last week in the game that was postponed at minute 10 due to lightning. In this contest, the Vikings connected several passes before finding William Cabello (Wilson H.S.) wide on the right. He sent in a long cross to the far post that found Moreno, who first-timed the ball to Albanez inside the six for the first goal.
The Pirates would not fold as they answered in minute eight with a scramble goal. It was only the second goal of the season the Vikings had given up from the field of play this season. The rest of the half would see the Vikings continue to apply pressure but unable to score. Their best attempt came on a near-miss header by Cameron Badal (Millikan H.S.) towards the end of the first period.
Stepping on the gas from the start of the half, the Vikings were able to finally put away the eventual game-winner when Moreno received a pass from Albanez. Moreno would do the rest as he beat two defenders and then the keeper with a fine left-footed shot. OCC would have little chance to equalize as Long Beach limited them to only one shot on goal in the entire half. Albanez sealed the win when he received a ball from Jonathan Grado (Anaheim H.S./Cal State San Marcos). Fighting off two defenders, Diego was able to break through one-on-one with the keeper and place a strong shot into the opposite corner for his second brace of the season.
Conference play begins as the team hosts L.A. City College on Tuesday, October 5.
