Warriors Drop Heartbreaker to Cerritos at Home

TORRANCE, Calif. - For twelve minutes in the second half, it looked like the El Camino College Warriors would achieve at least a draw with the Cerritos Falcons, however a late free kick goal by the Falcons gave them a 2-1 victory at the El Camino Soccer Field on Friday afternoon.

After a scoreless draw in the first half with neither side threatening, the Warriors (2-5-3) and Falcons (5-3-1) picked things up in the second half.

The Warriors got on board to take a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute.  Monica Bernardino played a short corner kick pass to Carolyn Medina outside the right side of the 18-yard box.  Medina made a move past the defender and shot to the left side of the net. The Cerritos keeper made a save on the ball that hit under the crossbar and looked like it bounced in the net.  Sophia Ceman was there to clean up the rebound and get the ball across the line.  

The Falcons were able to equalize a few minutes later on a free kick by Alessandria Ramirez.  Ramirez shot from about 40 yards out with a rocket into the top left corner.  

In the 76th minute, the referee called a foul on an iffy challenge.  Ramirez would again step up for the Falcons with a free kick from 40 yards out.  This time her shot was blasted right under the crossbar into the net to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead.  

Although the box score dominates in favor of the Falcons (19 shots to 3 shots).  The box score doesn't really reflect the nature of how the game went. The defense for both teams played outstanding and limited the offense for either side.  The Falcons were able to keep the Warriors away from their box for most of the game. The Warriors defense were able to prevent multiple offensive attempts by the Cerritos Falcons and they resorted to shots from outside the box.

Kelly Gallagher played the first half and made three saves.  Joelle Niimi played the second half and made three saves as well.  Niimi didn't stand much of a chance on either goal scored by the Falcons because they were excellent free kicks placed perfectly.

The Warriors will head to LA Harbor for their next game.  Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.