The LBCC men’s soccer team overcame the Rio Hondo Roadrunners 4-2 by penalties in round one of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.
The crowd showed up for this game as people were lined up on the fence outside the field because there were not enough seats in the bleachers, the crowd already knowing they would not be disappointed.
The Vikings deployed a high press on defense that was giving the Roadrunners trouble, and as a result, the Vikings possessed the ball for most of the first half, controlling the pace, but no goals came of it.
Sophomore midfielder Jonath Grado played a major role for the Vikings, drastically contributing to their aggression during this game.
“Johnny sets the tempo, he keeps the ball for us, we can play our game… he’s humongous,” said Vikings head coach Jorge Reyes.
The Vikings were able to create a few opportunities, but their best chance came when sophomore midfielder Leo Sanchez took a shot on goal that was cleared off the line by the Roadrunners’ sophomore center-back, Sebastian Bibian.
This shifted the momentum for the Roadrunners as they made every counterattack count, but just like the Vikings, they could not convert.
Tensions began to rise across the field as injuries started to occur and yellow cards were being handed out as no team was able to score causing the game to continue with extra time.
The atmosphere was tense as both teams were under pressure to score after being given an extra thirty minutes, but the theme and score of the match remained the same as neither team could convert.
The Vikings gained the upper hand as they netted the first penalty kick and freshman keeper Ryan Swan saved the Roadrunners’ first attempt.
After three penalties were taken each, it was 3-2 with LBCC leading.
The Vikings’ fourth penalty was saved and Rio Hondo was given a chance to tie up the score, but Swan came in clutch and saved it as his tram sprinted to the goal to congratulate him.
“They were a good team, they worked hard, but we just fought hard until the end,” said Sanchez.
The Vikings were not able to keep this newfound momentum going when they played against Fullerton College on November 22, resulting in a 1-0 defeat.