In typical Cerritos College men's soccer fashion, the team came out with enough energy for both teams, as a goal in the second minute set the tone for the day in a 3-1 season-opening win over College of the Desert on Friday. Next weekend, the Falcons (1-0-0) will take their annual trip north to compete in the Hartnell Tournament, with their first game slated for Friday at 2:00 p.m. against Fresno City College.

One of the most prepared teams year in and year out, Cerritos needed just two minutes to open the scoring on the day, as sophomore Gustavo Arias matched his season goal output in 2024 to give the team an early lead. He was able to get his shot past the keeper after his pass from Christian Ramirez.

They maintained that lead until the second half, where they put two more shots into the net to re-take the lead and add an insurance goal. Freshman Julio Portillo finished off a play after receiving a pass from freshman Mathew Pulido in the 56th minute. The Falcons tacked on the insurance goal in the 80th minute, as freshman Jason Hernandez chipped in a shot for his first goal of the year.

The goalkeeping tandem of sophomore Eduardo Enriquez and Anthony Gomez combined to make three saves in the win.

Photos by Daryl Peterson