"Socc-ing" painless for men

Victory has never before been as thrilling for the men's soccer team as it has been this season.

The team reached its season long goal of winning a state title by defeating Taft College , 1-0 last Sunday in the state championship game at Fresno Pacific University.

This is the second time in three years that the Falcons have made it to the state title, but the first time in school history that it has won.

It finishes the season 20-3-5 after losing the first two games of the season to Golden West and Fresno City . The Falcons defeated the aforementioned Rams in the regional final 1-0.

It also got revenge on Santa Ana, who defeated the Falcons the last time it reached the state championship in 2004, defeating them 1-0 in the second round of the regional playoffs.

Throughout this season, the team's strength has been its defense. All four playoff games were shutouts, making it nine games where the Falcons have stopped the opposition from scoring.

Artiaga told www.ccsoccernews.com "Our defense shutout four of the best teams in the state. It goes beyond our three defenders and goal keeper. All 11 of our guys plays defense. That's something we emphasize as a team."



Infielder Juan Huerta scored the game's only goal in the 35th minute.

The playoffs have been Huerta's time to shine. He only scored two goals this season, but both were the most crucial to the Falcons' season.

He also scored the goal that defeated El Camino College and sent Cerritos to the final four.

If he, along with other freshmen including defender and tournament MVP Esuebio Alvarez returns next year, the team can possibly make another run at the state title.