MARAUDER MEN'S SOCCER SHOCKED BY CITRUS IN CONFERENCE OPENER

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER - The Marauder men's soccer team entered Tuesday afternoon's game with the best winning percentage among all the teams in the Western State Conference-South Division and one of the favorites to win the conference title.

It walked out of Marauder Stadium with a disappointing 3-1 loss at the hands of visiting Citrus College.

AVC head coach Jerry Stupar said his team was really prepared entering the conference opener for both teams, especially after playing perennial power Oxnard very tough.

"A few unusual tactical breakdowns with our defense and unfinished simple attacking opportunities led to the outcome of the match," Stupar said. "However, I'm confident that with a few adjustments and refinements in tactical awareness, we will be ready for a tough match against Glendale."

A defensive lapse by AVC only five minutes into the match allowed the Owls' (3-4-3, 1-0) Sergio Gonzalez to score following the assist from Patrick Luevano. Citrus built a 2-0 lead in the second half after a goal by Ramon Gutierrez. AVC's (5-6-1, 0-1) lone goal came off the foot of Carlos Cruz, assisted by Jose Mojica, which trimmed the lead in half at 59:39.

Citrus capped off its impressive afternoon with another goal at the 81st-minute by Luevano.

Stupar said the Owls won the possession battle by 10 minutes and they limited AVC's offensive attack to only six shots.

"I think this loss was unfortunately due to multiple high percentage shots not converted and an off day for  our defense," Stupar said.