Pirates come up short to Comets, 3-1
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Palomar (1-1-1) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
|
Orange Coast (0-2-0) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College men's soccer team had some second-half opportunities, but could not find the back of the net down the stretch as the Pirates lost a 3-1 decision to visiting Palomar College on Friday at the OCC Soccer Complex.
Coast (0-2) fell behind to the Comets (1-1-1) early on as a goal by Arturo Atilano-Gutierrez in the 12th minute put the guests out in front, 1-0. But less than 10 minutes later, a corner kick off the foot of Ethan Larsson found the head of teammate Devin La Clair, who knocked in the rebound to even the match at 1.
However, the stalemate didn't last too long as the Comets took advantage of an opening in the Pirates' defense and scored off a shot by Elijah Ceballos in the 24th minute, putting Palomar ahead for good.
Coast battled a tough Comets' defense and a stiff pre-storm wind in the second half, but still had a couple of excellent chances to even the score up. But, Palomar goalkeeper Noe Vasquez was up to the task and stopped all four shots that came his way in the second half.
OCC goalkeeper Adam Guillen had several point-blank stops to keep the Pirates in the match and finished with eight saves.
Palomar would add an insurance goal in the final minute off the foot of Alex Vidican to put the match away.
Coast will return to action on Tuesday at home against East Los Angeles College, beginning at 3 p.m.
