Chargers Fall to Orange Coast, 3-2

by Robert Nilsen

CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College men's soccer team (5-12-2, 2-8-2 OEC) fell to Orange Coast College (6-6-5, 4-4-4 OEC) 3-2 at home on Tuesday.

The game began with Orange Coast controlling possession. Orange Coast midfielder Michael Hunter opened the scoring eight minutes into the game. The Chargers responded with chances of their own. Five minutes later Chargers midfielder Jose Morales shot from distance, but his shot was tipped over the bar by Orange Coast keeper Osiel Porcayo. In the thirtieth minute, Chargers forward Christian Supancic had a great chance to score, but his shot was saved by Porcayo. The rebound fell to Chargers defender Peter Carranza, but his shot was also stopped by Porcayo. Late in the first half Chargers midfielder Eduardo Chavez scored on a direct free kick to tie the game at 1-1 just before halftime.

The Chargers began the second half on the back foot as Orange Coast pressed up the field searching for another goal. As the half progressed both teams were able to generate opportunities and it would be Orange Coast who took the lead through forward Jack Slavick to put them up 2-1. With ten minutes left in the game the Chargers won a penalty kick and Hawe Yonas converted it to tie the game at 2-2. Following the goal, both teams continued to attack and Orange Coast won a penalty of their own which forward Taylor Kane converted to give Orange Coast a 3-2 lead. In extra time the Chargers went up a man when Orange Coast midfielder Garen Balikcioglu was sent off after being shown a second yellow card. With the man advantage Cypress was on the attack in extra time, but were unable to generate any good opportunities as the game ended 3-2.