Cypress Men’s Soccer Defeats Santa Ana in Penalty Shootout Thriller

CYPRESS, CA – The No. 16 Cypress Chargers (9-6-7, 5-3-6 OEC) men's soccer team made history on Tuesday evening, defeating the No. 17 Santa Ana College Dons (10-7-4, 8-3-3 OEC) 4-2 in a penalty shootout to earn the program's first-ever playoff victory. Goalkeeper Jose Macias was the hero of the day, making two crucial stops during the shootout to secure the win. This marks the Chargers' first victory over Santa Ana since a 3-2 triumph in 2018.

The match began with an early lead for Santa Ana, who found the back of the net in the 12th minute to go up 1-0. Cypress responded swiftly, as Alex Gomez converted a penalty just three minutes later to level the score at 1-1. The Chargers took control in the 25th minute when Jhonkarlo Vega capitalized on a rebound from the right side of the box to give Cypress a 2-1 lead.

Santa Ana equalized 16 minutes into the second half, scoring off a well-placed free kick to make it 2-2. Despite relentless pressure from the Dons, who outshot Cypress in regulation and overtime, the Chargers held strong to force penalties.

In the shootout, Macias delivered two spectacular saves, while the Chargers executed four successful penalty kicks to clinch the historic victory.

Penalty Shoot-out Results: 4-2 Cypress

16 Jhonkarlo Vega (Cypress) - Goal

9 Alejandro Oropeza (Santa Ana) - Goal

20 Santiago Martinez (Cypress) - Goal

7 Juan Manzano (Santa Ana) - Save (Cypress GK - 00 Jose Macias)

9 Alex Gomez (Cypress) - Goal

19 Gerardo Serna (Santa Ana) - Goal

7 Issac Morales (Cypress) - Goal

23 Ivan Torres (Santa Ana) - Save (Cypress GK - 00 Jose Macias)

GAME ADMISSION (per 3C2A regulations): Cash Only**

$12   Adults (18-55 years of age)

$8     Children (6-12 years of age)

         Seniors (56 years +)

         Staff & Students (W/ID)

Free  Children 5 and under

UP NEXT: The Chargers will travel to face the Long Beach City College Vikings in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday, November 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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