Offensive Onslaught Fuels Hawks’ First Win

The Santiago Canyon College men's soccer team found its stride Friday afternoon at home, exploding for a season-high five goals in a 5-1 victory over San Diego Mesa. The win marked the Hawks' first of the year and extended their dominance over the Olympians to seven straight matches.

After SD Mesa nearly struck in the opening minute, the Hawks settled in and struck first. Sophomore Braydon Cerminelli converted a penalty kick for his second goal of the season, putting Santiago Canyon on top early.

Freshman Abraham Garcia doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a composed finish past the Olympian keeper. SD Mesa responded just before halftime, converting a free kick in stoppage time to cut the deficit to 2-1 at the break.

The Hawks wasted no time regaining control after the restart. Freshman Jacob Vega delivered back-to-back goals in the 46th and 52nd minutes, assisted by Vladimir Sotelo and Garcia, to push the lead to 4-1.

Sophomore Tristan Radant capped the scoring in the 70th minute, pouncing on a loose ball and burying it into an empty net to secure the 5-1 victory.

In goal, sophomore Diego Saldivar earned the win with one save before being subbed off in the 82nd minute. Freshman Diego Bernardino closed out the match with a save of his own in the final stretch.