Season Opener Ends in a Draw
Rios scored the season’s first goal. |
August 27, 2007
Cypress, Calif. – The Chargers opened the 2008 soccer season Wednesday hosting Citrus in a rematch of their 2007 season opener. Cypress was on their way to avenging their 2007 loss but Citrus evened the score in stoppage time to end the game at a 2-2 draw. Freshman midfielder Jose Rios scored Cypress’s first goal of the season and his first collegiate goal with a header in the first half.
Cypress got off to a quick start as freshman midfielder Ernesto Escobedo sent a high pass to Rios who headed the goal in for the 1-0 lead in the ninth minute. Citrus came back just eight minutes later with a goal evening the score at 1-1 in the first half.
The Chargers and Owls fought through a tough second half before Cypress was finally able to break through in the 73rd minute as sophomore forward Ricardo Gonzalez came off the bench to score. Freshman forward Nebiyu Girma notched the assist. With the 2-1 lead in hand and the game headed to stoppage time, Citrus pulled out a last minute miracle goal tying it up at two apiece right before the whistle. Freshman keeper Kayvon Mehranian made his premiere in goal for Cypress making five saves.
Cypress starts their season with a 0-0-1 record and has almost a week off to prepare for their next match against L.A. Southwestern. The Chargers will host the Cougars next Tuesday at 4:00 pm.