Scoreless Comets concede late free kick

The men's soccer team struggled offensively in a 1-0 loss to Napa Valley College at home Friday.

The lone goal of the game was scored by Storm forward Jesus Gomez off of a free kick in the second half, 76 minutes into the game.

CCC defender Jamal Alzanbaai said, "We're playing good,. We just lost off a free kick."

The Comet defense gave a solid effort throughout the game but broke down on the free kick attempt. This is the second time this season that the men's soccer team has lost a game on a late free kick. The first time was on Sept. 2 against Feather River College.

The Comets (2-8, 1-2 in the Bay Valley Conference) only managed 15 shots on goal compared to 25 by NVC (3-1-5, 2-0 in the BVC).

Coach Rudy Zeller said the team is lacking communication and mental concentration.

He also said that the offense is missing its best forward, Maynor Guerra, who was out with a separated shoulder he sustained during practice the day before the game.

"They need communication to keep  organized and win games," he said.

The men's soccer team plays its next game at home against Modesto Junior College on Friday at 2 p.m.

The Comet defense was under pressure the entire first half but still managed to hold off the Storm's offense by not allowing a goal.

Even though the Comets' defense gave up the winning goal on a free kick, it was instrumental in keeping the team in the game.

CCC striker Andrew Balderas missed a wide-open shot on goal to tie the game with 10 minutes left. Comet defender Christian Hernandez gave the offense the ball back three times in a row during the final minutes of the game.

Alzanbaai said, "We executed the game plan well, but we just couldn't score."

The Comets were only able to make one trip to NVC territory in the first half.

In the second half, CCC's offense came alive but it could not score any goals on its opportunities.

CCC midfielder Adan Martinez said the strikers didn't have the chance to score and the team has to work harder offensively.

"We're not on the same page. Our forwards weren't creating opportunities to score," he said.

CCC defender Hilberth Ibarra said it takes the team a while to get focused on the game and its passing wasn't effective.