Rio Hondo mens soccer team played their 2013 Foothill Conference opener at home on Oct. 8, and escaped with a 1-0 victory over the Chaffey Panthers.

The Roadrunners continue to be productive at home as they managed to secure another win in a game that could have gone either way.

As they’ve been doing so at home the Roadrunners came out strong right from the first whistle putting pressure on the panthers back line, and making sure they understood why they were unbeaten at home.

With several goal scoring opportunities within the first 10 minutes of play the Roadrunners seemed to have control of the game.

Beating the Panthers to the majority of the fifty-fifty balls at center pitch , Rio Hondo midfielder Alfonso Espinoza took control of the midfield and was able to distribute the ball down the line to Alex Casas who showed another phenomenal performance at home.  But the Panthers didn’t let up.

They also fought back into what turned out to be a very physical and fast pace game of soccer that lead to a red card for the Chaffey.  Although the Roadrunners had looks at goal early on, that was as much as they would get in the first half. The ball remained in the midfield for the remainder of the half as both teams battled it out and fought hard to keep the ball away from their danger zone.   Both teams showed endurance and toughness throughout the half but unfortunately ended the half at 0-0.  As the second half began both teams came out more physical and more passionate as each side was determined to get the win for their record.

It was obvious that half time gave both sides some time to get some mental composure after what seemed to be a mediocre showing by both teams.

After the game coach Orlando Brenes said that “we didn’t play up to, I think our expectations of playing a fantastic game”   In the second half the Panthers and Roadrunners showed much more ball possession and more looks at the goal.   Chaffey came out playing long ball trying to avoid the strong Rio Hondo midfield, while the Roadrunner played much faster game by stringing quick passes together down the middle of the field.

Rio Hondos defense was key in this game. They were able to secure balls in the air and come out playing safely on the ground which led to big counters on offense.

The Roadrunners were able to score of a quick midfield counter when a ball lost by the Chaffey defenders was recovered by Alfonso Espinoza.

He quickly gave the ball over to Miguel Mendoza who was able to poke the ball through a Chaffey defender and deliver a perfect pass to Alex Casas who out-hustled the Chaffey defenders and put the ball in the back of the net for the only goal of the game (1-0).

Alex Casas continues to have remarkable home games and has proved it by putting away two clutch goals when the team needs them the most. Against Long Beach City College, Alex was able to score a marvelous goal that saved the Roadrunners from a loss to keep their spirits and unbeaten streak up.

On Tuesday when the team eagerly needed a hero Alex Casas was able to confidently control the ball and put the ball away to lead his team to their first conference win.

After the game Alex Casas said confidently that “once I saw my teammate pass the ball and it was just one-on-one I knew I was going to finish” adding that he hopes that the “streak continues on in the tougher games” he hopes to ” continue scoring, and gotta get my team up on top, get those W.  After being asked what this goal meant he said that ” it meant a lot to the team, it means a lot to me getting a goal in the first game of season and hopefully it continues.”

The Roadrunners will head over to College of the Desert on October 11 with a 6-3-4 record where they need to continue to play mentally composed and a physical fast pace soccer game in order to get a win and extend their 7 game unbeaten streak.