Diaz Scores Hat Trick in Hancock's 3-3 Tie With Glendale

Adrian Diaz recorded the program's first hat trick in at least four years as the Allan Hancock College men's soccer team battled Glendale to a 3-3 draw on Tuesday afternoon. The Bulldogs improved to 0-2-1 in Western State Conference play and 1-5-2 overall. Glendale left Santa Maria with a 2-0-1 mark in conference and 3-2-2 record for the season.

Diza, a sophomore forward, put his first ball in the back of the net on an unassisted goal in the second minute of the match. The Cabrillo High School graduate gave Hancock a 2-0 advantage with a goal in the eighth minute on a ball assisted by Bernardo Rubio. Glendale evened the score with goals in the 25^th and 27^th minutes to even the match 2-2.

Hancock recaptured the lead in the 41^st minute late in the first half when Diaz fired one by the Glendale keeper to complete the hat trick. Freshman Tyson Perkins was credited with the assist, his first of the year. Diaz, a First Team All-Conference selection last season, leads the team with four goals this season.

Hancock carried a 3-2 lead into the second half, until Glendale tied it with a score in the 54^th minute. Both teams had opportunities the rest of the way, but could not capitalize on them.

Hancock finished with nine shots in the game, including five on goal. Freshman midfielder Christian Merino (Arroyo Grande HS) had four shots for the Bulldogs.

Hancock goalie Ivan Gomez (Righetti HS) recorded four saves in net for the Bulldogs.

Hancock travels to Santa Monica for a conference match on Friday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m.