RAMS HOLD OFF SECOND HALF CHARGE TO DEFEAT LA MISSION 3-2

FRESNO, Calif.- Manuel Lopez's (Kerman, Calif./Kerman HS) header in the 24th minute jumpstarted the Ram men's soccer team's offense Wednesday afternoon, as they defeated Southern California opponent LA Mission College 3-2, at Fresno City College.  The 3-2 victory extends the Rams' unbeaten streak to 11 games.  Wednesday's match was initially scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, but was postponed due to travel issues for LA Mission.

Freshman Michael Vega (Fresno, Calif./Central) continued his impressive season offensively in the 30th minute, scoring off a Yoni Salais (Fresno, Calif./Washington Union HS) assist to increase the Rams lead to 2-0.  The goal was Vega's fifth in the past four contests, and gave Fresno City what appeared to be an insurmountable lead, especially for a team that hadn't allowed a goal in their last three matches.  Any thought of a fourth consecutive shutout was quickly laid to rest, however, as LA Mission countered with a goal of their own in the 35th minute to bring the deficit to one.  The visiting Eagles appeared to have gained some momentum heading into the intermission, when Logan Haron's (Fresno, Calif./Clovis West HS) cross in the 45th minute found Angel Alvarado (Tulare, Calif./Mission Oak HS) who connected for the goal, putting Fresno City up 3-1 heading into halftime.  The Eagles managed another goal in the second half to close the gap to one goal, but couldn't manage to get any closer, as the Rams secured their fourth consecutive victory.  Rams goalkeeper Guillermo Gama (Fresno, Calif./Sunnyside HS) recorded five saves on seven shots in the winning effort.

Fresno City will close out the week this Friday on the road in what should prove to be the match of the week in the CCCAA, pitting the #4 and #5 ranked teams against each other, according to the latest CCCSIA poll.  Friday's matchup will see the CVC's two best teams compete for sole possession of first place, as both teams enter the contest undefeated through the first two matches of conference play.  The Rams will next play at home next Friday when they play host to visiting San Joaquin Delta College of Stockton.