Cabral Wins Men's Soccer HC Debut, Lancers Beat Norco, 2-0

The Henry Cabral men's soccer head coaching era at Pasadena City College began Friday with the Lancers posting a 2-0 victory at Norco College (Riverside) in the 2016 season opener for both teams. 

PCC broke a scoreless match in the 75th minute when two freshmen reserves hooked up on the game-winning goal. Jose Mancia one-timed a wide cross into the goal mouth by Satchel Robinson (pictured, Muir High) as the ball deflected off a Norco defender and into the net. With three minutes left, Robinson was taken down in goal box by Norco. That resulted in a penalty kick with sophomore Sarmeen Ibrahim punching in the insurance goal. 

PCC goalie Yusuf Elmasri, an All-South Coast Conference Second Team selection last year, only had to make two saves for the shutout. Cabral singled out frosh defender Jesus Garcia for his defensive play. 

"We controlled the game, and we pressed them to create our goals," Cabral said. "What was really nice was that we went to our bench and players stepped up later in the match. That goes back to our depth and having a very strong freshmen group."

PCC next plays at Allan Hancock College on Tuesday, Aug. 30 in a 4 p.m. non-conference game. The Lancers are at the start of a 7-game road trip to start the season.