Men’s Soccer Wraps Up Spring Season with Strong Showing at Biola

Contributed by Cameron Beaulac:

The Long Beach City College men's soccer team concluded its non-traditional spring season on Saturday, April 26, with a competitive doubleheader at Biola University. The Vikings opened the day with an impressive 5-2 win over Whittier College, followed by a 1-1 draw against NCAA Division II Biola.

In the morning match against Whittier, LBCC conceded an early goal but responded quickly in the 14th minute. Jordi Pineda connected with Jose Mariscal on the wing, and Mariscal beat a defender before firing a shot from the edge of the box into the back of the net. Just ten minutes later, Pineda provided his second assist of the day, threading a through ball to Luke Garza, who calmly finished to give the Vikings a 2-1 lead. Whittier managed to equalize just before halftime, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2.

Following a halftime message from Head Coach Reyes, the Vikings came out energized and netted three unanswered goals in the second half. Garza scored his second of the match, followed by goals from Teodosio Vargas and Jeremiah Omishakin. Omishakin assisted on the first two, while Vargas capped the scoring with an unassisted effort. Goalkeeper Fabio Ardizzoia played the full 90 minutes, making three saves in the win.

In the second match of the day, LBCC faced host Biola University—a special matchup as former Viking MVP Adrian Acevedo now plays for the Eagles and is set to graduate from Biola this May. The Eagles struck early, capitalizing on a defensive miscue just two minutes into the match. However, the Vikings responded in the 24th minute when Mariscal set up Ulysses Grado for a powerful finish to level the match at 1-1. Despite outshooting Biola 12-6, LBCC couldn't find the game-winner. South Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year Abraham Ramirez recorded four saves in goal.

The game also marked a homecoming of sorts for Carlos Reyes, a two-time All-South Coast Conference First Team selection, who announced he will be transferring to Biola University in the fall to continue his academic and athletic career.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the Vikings' team awards from their State Final Four season, as well as updates on player commitments for the upcoming fall semester.