Men's Soccer Season Closes With Round 3 Playoff Loss

A glorious postseason run by the #15-seed Pasadena City College men's soccer team stopped along with 2024 season in a 2-1 defeat to #7 seed Cuyamaca on Saturday afternoon.

PCC fell behind on first-half goals by the Coyotes Enrique Rodriguez (25th minute) and Esteban Salais (35th minute). The Lancers rallied when Jordy Aviles scored on a penalty kick with eight minutes left in regulation play. 

However, despite eight saves by goalie Axel Espinoza, PCC was eliminated, finishing an outstanding season under SCC North Coach of the Year Francisco Cantero. 

PCC finished 15-9 overall, the most victories by a Lancers team since 2008. This included playoff wins over #19 Bakersfield at home in Round 1 and a stunning 4-2 road win to shock #2 Mt. San Antonio in Round 2. 

Sophomore Angel Ballesteros led the team in scoring this season on 27 points (11 goals and five assists) while 2-year letterman Diego Lazo contributed 24 points (10 goals and four assists). Ballesteros finished tied for 10th on PCC's All-Time Scoring List at 38 points--15 goals and eight helpers. 

"The strides we made as a team to be a lower side and yet win two playoff games is a big accomplishment," Cantero said. "They can all feel that they contributed to a successful season. We're getting Lancers soccer back where it should be. To return to the postseason after the program hadn't been there in eight years is special. We are going to build of this playoff run and come back strong next year."