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SACRAMENTO, CA - The Santa Ana College (SAC) men’s soccer team lost to Taft College 3-1 in the California Community College Athletic Association Men’s Soccer semifinals. The loss ends the Dons season who finish with a 15-6-4 overall record.
Taft (18-5-1) scored first in the 33rd minute when Noel Lopez’ cross through the box found Sergio Cedano who scored putting Taft up 1-0.
The Dons fell down a man in the 45th minute when Julian Cardenas picked up his second yellow card of the match. Despite being down, SAC came back just four minutes into the second half to tie the game at 1-1 when Cesar Silva connected with Adrian Negrete for the equalizer.
The game remained at a 1-1 tie until late in the second half. The first opportunity to take the lead belonged to the Dons when Daniel Ruiz drew a foul just outside of the box. Ruiz took the ensuing direct kick but his shot glanced off the crossbar keeping the game deadlocked at 1-1.
Just three minutes after Ruiz’ attempt, Taft quickly reversed the field and Lopez beat the Dons defense before setting up Christian Hernandez for the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute.
With the Dons pressing for the equalizer in stoppage time, Alex Caceres was able to run past SAC’s defense and beat Felipe Miranda one-on-one for Taft’s third goal.
Taft will play Mt. San Antonio College in the championship game on Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. Mt. San Antonio College advanced with its 1-0 win over Fresno City College in the other semifinal match. |
