New soccer season underway

The LBCC men's soccer team played a pre-season scrimmage game against Hope International University and won 3-1 on the Viking soccer field on Tuesday, August 25The Vikings are coached by Cameron Beaulac and assisted by Pat Noyes and Brent Whitfield, were ranked No. 4 at the end of last season when the team's overall record was 15-5-6. This season, the Vikings are looking to improve their ranking with a roster consisting of returning players and local first-year players coming from several surrounding high schools as opposed to last season's rosters, which included several players from foreign countries.

In the match against Hope, it was evident that both teams were still in the process of acquiring rhythm, however that didn't prevent LBCC from taking early possession of the ball and dominating most of the first half of play. LBCC was first on the scoreboard after a corner-kick cross into the box found forward Ritchie Ponce's head to knock in the first goal of the afternoon, Hope scored on a long distance shot by Billy Monnier, tying the match shortly before halftime.


In the second half, Hope improved on ball possession, but it was the Vikings who had the most opportunities in front of goal with close and long-range efforts. On an individual play, forward Manny Batista dribbled past two defenders in the penalty box and defeated the goalie on a one-on-one to score the goal that put the Vikings in the lead.

LBCC would then secure the victory with a goal by midfielder Alex Martinez who sent an unstoppable shot to the base of the goalie's farthest post.


Noyes noted that most players' physical condition was around 70 percent and said that the players have room for improvement before next months LBCC tournament set to take place on the first Friday and Sunday.

"Fitness should be huge, we'll probably have a couple of fitness days next week to try and bring that 70 percent up to 75 or 80, hopefully when we get to the league we'll be at peak fitness," Noyes said.


LBCC's women's soccer team is preparing to make its preseason debut when Vikings face Saddleback at LBCC on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m.