Hancock Men's Soccer Opens Season With 4-1 Win Over San Diego Mesa

It was a dominant performance by the Allan Hancock College men's soccer team against San Diego Mesa College on Tuesday afternoon as the Bulldogs earned a 4-1 victory in their first match of the season.

The Bulldogs got off to a quick start with two goals in the first half by freshman Rigoberto Maldonado, a Pioneer Valley High School graduate. The freshman netted a goal in the 23rd minute and found the back of the net again two minutes later.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to 3-0 later in the first half after sophomore forward Ulysses Cardona knocked in a goal of his own. Cardona, a Lompoc High School graduate, scored 14 goals last season to tie for the Western State Conference lead with teammate Migel Gomez. Cardona also assited on Maldonado's first score of the game.

The Olympians fought back scoring a goal in the second half, but another impressive goal late in the half by Cardona sealed the deal. Sophomore Andres Montano assisted on the game-clinching goal in the 65th minute.

Sophomore goalie Antony Herrera led the Bulldogs defense with two saves.

Hancock opens a three-match road trip on Friday, August 31, at Taft College.