In a game at Rio Hondo College, The Vikings found themselves down 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the game. The host Roadrunners came out strong from the beginning, capitalizing on two LBCC errors. The two goals seemed to ignite the visitors as they began to apply an offensive presence on the opponents. Although the score remained 2-0 at the end of the half, the Vikings appeared as if they were going to change that after the break.
In the second minute of the second half, Diego Albanez (Valley Christian H.S.) was fouled just outside of the box earning a direct free kick. Brian Chung (Los Alamitos H.S./C.S. San Marcos) stepped up to take the kick and cleanly buried the ball into the back of the net to bring the score to 2-1.
LBCC would continue the pressure, and were rewarded when Bryan Villa (Santee Educational Complex / Cal State Dominguez Hills) received the ball on the right hand side of the box. He would beat three defenders and send the ball into the far side of the goal to even the score 2-2 in the 50th minute.
The Vikings continued to dominate the half and unfortunately came up short of earning the victory. William Cabello (L.B. Wilson H.S./San Diego Christian College) sent a ball to the corner that the goalie was able to tip off the crossbar, Miguel Ibarra (L.B. Poly H.S.) sent another ball off of the crossbar minutes later. On the final play of the game, Jesus Moreno (Millikan H.S) beat two defenders and the keeper with a shot, but a Rio Hondo defender was able to clear the ball off of the line before it entered the goal.
Jonathan Grado (Anaheim H.S./C.S. San Marcos) and Carlos Bahena (Anaheim H.S.) were instrumental in the victory controlling the center of the field. Goalkeeper Oliver Juarez (Downey H.S.) recorded seven saves in the match.
Long Beach (5-1-5, 2-0-1) will continue on the road this week as they visit L.A. Harbor College at 6:00 on Friday night.
