PCC Men’s Soccer Overpowers Santa Monica, 4-0

The Pasadena City College men’s soccer team unleashed an arsenal offensively at visiting Santa Monica and entered the win column for the first time in three matches, 4-0, Friday in a non-conference game at Robinson Stadium.

Playing during the area’s intense heat wave, the Lancers (1-2) were relentless in firing opportunities at the SMC goal. In the 28th minute, forward Kevin Geddes took a lead pass from midfielder Diego Gonzalez and then launched a 28-yard blast for PCC’s first goal. With four minutes left before halftime, reserve forward Christopher Sinani controlled a loose ball inside the goalie box. With his back to the net, he made a nifty short pass to teammate Gonzalez who lifted a lob shot in for a 2-0 lead.

In the second half, sophomore forward Briley Venti scored a pair of goals. In the 49th minute, sophomore midfielder Victor Menchaca made a sideline throw-in that deflected off a SMC defender and was redirected in for a score by Venti. In the 74th minute, sophomore reserve forward Luis Ramirez powered a shot that was batted away by SMC goalie Weston Adkins, but Venti was in perfect position to head in the rebound to cap the game’s scoring.

The Lancers had numerous opportunites and outshot the Corsairs, 20-9. Adkins was brilliant in goal as he made 10 saves, including a few on PCC breakaways. PCC goalie David Orellana faced very little pressure until the final 20 minutes and recorded the shutout on four saves.

Pasadena’s defender corps frequently broke up Santa Monica attempts at shots. Shawhin Berenji robbed a goal from Ali Jreedi in the 63rd minute as he knocked away a header with Orellana on the other side of the net. Berenji, Kris Carvajal, David Abeyta, and All-South Coast Conference sophomore George Barba were aggressive and made several steals and breakups in PCC territory.

“We pushed the attack and it started with our defenders who were quick to make plays,” said PCC head coach Edgar Manvelyan. “We did a great job of passing and there was real cohesion between our midfielders and forwards. We could have scored seven or eight goals with the opportunities we created.”

The Lancers return to action Tuesday, Sept. 16 when they play under the lights at Santa Barbara City College. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.