MEN'S SOCCER WINS CONFERENCE OPENER, 2-1

The Antelope Valley College men's soccer team opened conference play on the road at Glendale, topping the Vaqueros 2-1.

The game was even in the first half and very physical with a high numbet of fouls.  About 12 minutes into the second half, Joseph Barrientos crossed the ball at the 18 yard box from a pass by Ernesto Guevera, bounced off a Glendale defender and into the net to give AVC 1-0 lead. 

The Marauders followed up with a couple more strong opportunities but Glendale's goalkeeper was solid in the net and kept the game close.  Thirteen minutes later, the Vaqueros answered with a direct ball fade away to weak side forward Andrew Senane from 40 yards out.  

"Glendale was very physical and played long direct balls to their forwards through most of the match, we battled well in the air but our persistence in our attack gave us the opportunity to secure the win on a counter attack," stated Head Coach Jerry Stupar. "My hat is off to Glendale for their unwillingness to stop fighting in a match that played 95 minutes due to stoppage time, they battled til the end."

The Mauraders scored at the 73rd minute from a foul in the attacking third in transition which allowed a direct free kick from 30 yards out.  Sebastyan Enriquez was able to convert the winning goal off the set piece to give AVC a 2-1 lead.  Glendale proceeded to send all long balls forward in attempt to equalize the game but strong defensive play by the Maurader's back line and consistency of Goalkeeper Matt Garcia  (1GA/6 saves/90 min) prevented a second goal and secured the win.