The men’s soccer team hosted Modesto Junior College on Oct. 4, in what was set to be a tough match up against the undefeated conference leading Pirates.

Right from the start both teams set a physical tone on the cold and windy day, as they battled for the ball and consistently slide tackled one another.

But the Hawks got caught for a penalty halfway through the first half and Modesto took advantage on the kick. Sophomore midfielder Malcolm Ekeruche redirected a header high over the shoulder of freshman goalkeeper Leonel Luna.

“The penalty kick really changed the momentum right there,” MJC head coach Joe Michelena said. “The weather played a part, we had the wind going our way early on.”

After the goal, Modesto kept the pressure on, scoring five minutes later when they got another set piece opportunity off of a corner kick.

Freshman forward Edgar Lopez got his second assist of the game when he kicked the ball to sophomore forward Edgar Ruiz Arias, who put it low and to the right for what would end up being the final goal.

Modesto continued to dominate most of the first half with constant pressure on the ball at midfield and into the Hawks’ side of the field.

The second half did show improvement for the Hawks with several chances on net, but they could not execute on the few opportunities they had to score.

“Average effort, average execution, average result,” Cosumnes River College head coach Ron Preble said. “After working real hard to get to where we were today, our concentration was poor.”

Modesto freshman goalkeeper Alonso Lara made five saves for his sixth shutout on the season.

Men’s soccer hosts another conference rival, San Joaquin Delta College on Oct. 7.

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