by Robert Nilsen
CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's soccer team (3-4, 0-1) fell to district rival Fullerton College (6-0-1, 2-0) in their Orange Empire Conference opener 2-1 at home on Tuesday.
There were not many opportunities in the first half for either team as both teams came out pressing to start the game. The best chance fell to the Chargers when a ball was played across the box in the fifteenth minute, but Brett Hall poked it just wide of the near post. Halfway through the first half Cypress had another good opportunity off of a free kick, but Sanson Lopez fired the ball over the crossbar. Cypress and Fullerton entered halftime tied 0-0.
The Chargers started the second half off strong by pushing up the field on offense in an attempt to generate some opportunities. However, it was Fullerton who would open the scoring with a goal in the fiftieth minute after Cypress turned the ball over on their half of the field. Trailing 1-0, the Chargers stuck to the same game plan as they continued to press Fullerton. After generating a turnover the Chargers appeared to equalize when Brett Hall headed in a great ball from Jonathan Fuller, only to see it called off for offsides. Fullerton responded by generating another turnover and scoring a second goal in the seventieth minute to make it 2-0 game.
Cypress had a great opportunity to score right after Fullerton made it 2-0, but Brandon Dunn's shot was saved by a defender on the goalline. Cypress won a corner late in the game and Hugo Toledo latched on to the ball after it had bounced around in the box and found the back of the net to make it 2-1. On their last free kick in the ninetieth minute the Chargers subbed on Christian Supancic and Hawne Yonas in an attempt to score a late equalizer. However, the Chargers were unable to get a quality shot and Fullerton won the game 2-1.
Men's soccer will return to action at home against Golden West on Tuesday, September 20 at 3:00pm.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
