By Robert Nilsen
CYPRESS, CA – The Chargers (4-5, 1-2 OEC) have won three of their last four games, including their first conference win of the season against Santa Ana.
Two of their wins came at the Mt. SAC Tournament against West Valley and El Camino. The Chargers went down early to West Valley 1-0 after the first quarter. However, Cypress responded with goals from Ailien Nguyenly and Breana Gutierrez, to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. West Valley tied the game early in the third quarter 2-2. Cypress responded by going on a 3-0 run to close out the game 5-2 on two goals by Nguyenly and one goal by Kayla Trujillo.
In their next game against El Camino, the Chargers began the first quarter on a 4-0 run as both Nguyenly and Joana Marquez scored two goals. El Camino ended the quarter with two of their own to make it 4-2. Cypress came out and dominated the third quarter, outscoring El Camino 4-1 to take an 8-3 lead into halftime. Melissa Bell scored three goals and Miranda Hernandez added another. The Chargers continued to dominate as Bell, Trujillo, and Jovana Marquez each found the back of the net to take an 11-3 lead into the final quarter. Neither team would score in the fourth as the Chargers won 11-3.
In their Orange Empire Conference matchup against Santa Ana, the Chargers scored first as Joana Marquez scored early in the first quarter to make it 1-0. Three minutes later Bell scored to give the Chargers a 2-0 lead. Santa Ana responded with a goal of their own as the Chargers ended the first quarter with a 2-1 lead. Three minutes into the second quarter Santa Ana scored to tie the game at 2. Cypress responded by scoring two goals through Joana Marquez and Trujillo to take a 4-2 lead into halftime. Cypress went on a 4-0 run in the third quarter as Nguyenly, Jennifer Iniguez, Miranda Hernandez and Joana Marquez each added goals to the Charger tally. Santa Ana scored the last goal of the quarter to make it an 8-3 game. The Chargers dominated the final period as they outscored Santa Ana 4-0 courtesy of two goals from both Hernandez and Nguyenly to give Cypress a 12-3 victory.
Nguyenly leads the Chargers with 15 goals on the season. Joana Marquez is second on the team with 12 goals. Melissa Bell and Miranda Hernandez are tied for third will 11 goals each. Goalie Kelani Sun has recorded 48 saves through 9 games this season. The Chargers return to action this weekend at the San Diego Mesa Tournament.
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.
