LBCC men’s soccer dominate MiraCosta College in 5-1 victory

Vikings men’s soccer forward Giancarlo Murillo scored his third goal of the season to help propel LBCC to a 5-1 victory at home over MiraCosta College on Sept. 8.

Despite starting the season with a 2-2 draw, LBCC’s explosive offense has been on full display as of late, scoring 11 goals in its last two matches. 

“I really hope we stay winning. I’m sure everyone on the team can agree. Hopefully we can end up where we want to be for the state championship on Dec. 6,” LBCC defender Pavlos Mikhael said on the team’s current momentum.

It took some time for the Vikings’ offense to get comfortable, scoring just one goal in the first half but it hit its stride in the second half where it scored four more goals.  

“I feel like in the beginning we came in a little too cocky. We thought it was gonna be an easy path, but nothing in life is easy so we just had to put our heads down and work from the start,” Viking forward Omar Juarez said. 

^{LBCC forward Kuliano Doty-Navarro takes a corner kick in the Vikings’ 5-1 victory over MiraCosta College on Sept. 8 at Long Beach City College. (Trevor Athey)}

Both LBCC players and coaches agreed on when the turning point of the match occurred.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the other team just kinda gassing out, we keep the ball well so at some point in time the other team is gonna need to decide if I’m gonna keep running or not…,” Vikings head coach Jorge Reyes said.  

MiraCosta entered the game with two wins and one loss and had not allowed more than one goal in a game this season. 

“I thought I did well in the first half, but it was unacceptable on my part to let four in after that. It is what it is,” MiraCosta goalkeeper Christian Martinez said.

Multiple LBCC players emphasized the need to avoid getting comfortable with the early success and continue working. 

“It’s commitment. Everybody needs to be here the same way they’ve been here every day, showing up, being responsible and being accountable,” Viking midfielder Sonny Mosdri said. 

The Vikings’ next game will be Sept. 29 against San Bernardino Valley.