The men’s soccer team was running on all cylinders on Tuesday Oct. 7 as they routed Allan Hancock Community College 6-0 at Rio Hondo in their last preseason game. On a warm October evening, the Roadrunners handled business by putting the game away early. As soon as the first whistle blew, Rio Hondo immediately came out playing aggressively which helped them take control of the game.

Throughout most of the first half, the team was able to maintain possession of the ball with crisp ball movement. This kept their opponents guessing who were eventually overwhelmed by Rio Hondo’s relentless offensive and defensive pressure. As soon as one Roadrunner would lose the ball, a teammate was there to recover the ball once again. Despite having two starting center backs out with injuries, the team had the luxury of placing veteran forward, Makoto Shoji, as last man to help fill the void in the defensive line.

As for the offense, each player seemed to be on the same page as they dismantled the Allan Hancock defense with their speed, creativity, and assertive style of play. Coming into this game Head Coach Orlando Brenes made sure to stress the fact that the team needs to execute and finish as many goals as possible. It was apparent that Allan Hancock was no match as the starters were able to score all six goals in the first half.

It commenced with forward Alex Casas creating many scoring opportunities with his innovative passing and graceful moves that left opponents in his dust. After creating space from a defender, Casas was able to make a short pass to teammate, Alfonso Espinoza, who penetrated the defense with just one touch and finish with ease. Espinoza’s goal opened the game for Rio Hondo swinging them momentum in their favor.

Shortly after, Casas was able to gain another assist off a complete effort play by winning a header and perfectly playing the ball into space. This allowed fellow forward Andre Gomez to track the ball down and put in the back of the net. Gomez eventually became the Hat-trick hero of the game by netting two back to back goals within mere minutes of each other.

Casas was also able to get one to go down as he blasted the ball in the lower-right corner of the goal giving the opposing keeper no chance to block it. The final goal belonged to forward Victor Joya as he managed to head the ball in the goal off a beautifully timed cross from the left wing.

“We did a really good job of finishing on goal which really helps things out,” said Brenes. “It opened up the game which made things a little easier which also made the team more comfortable.” Overall, Brenes and the rest of the coaching staff were pleased with player efforts which gave many players actual playing time to prepare them for what’s ahead.

The game severed as a morale-booster especially after a 0-0 draw against Pasadena Community College on Oct. 3 where Rio Hondo left a lot to be desired. According to Brenes, his team still needs to improve in several areas but remains optimistic they will be ready for any challenge they come across.

Rio Hondo’s first Foothill Conference game will be played away against long-time rivals Chaffey college on Tuesday Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. The first home game will see Rio Hondo host College of the Desert on Friday Oct. 17 also at 4 p.m.