Vikings Roll Past Pasadena 4-1

Coming off of an emotional conference regular championship 4-0 win over Cerritos on Friday, the Vikings looked to maintain their recent dominant form. And that is exactly what they did. In the seventh minute of the game, Joshua Grado received a pass from freshman Duane Baker and proceeded to beat four Lancer defenders before slotting the ball into the far side netting. Pasadena would answer back in minute 31 when the Vikings gave up only their second goal in the past seven games to even the match up at 1-1.

After a strong halftime speech given by the coaching staff, Long Beach came out on a mission. Off of a set play, defender Andrew Zavallos would rise above the rest and head in the cross from Cesar Garcia-Solorzano. Eight minutes later, Aaron Hernandez would score off a first time cross from Joshua Grado that was double assisted by Joshua Penazola. Striker Julian Zarata would finish the scoring with an 86th minute goal from a through ball by Steven Mancia. 

Goalkeeper Fabio Ardizzoia would play the full 90 minutes recording three saves in the afternoon match. Long Beach was able to dominate the midfield with outstanding efforts given by Jordi Pineda, Eric Diaz, and Joshua Grado. When asked about the game, assistant coach Carlos Barrios commented, "I was a bit frustrated with the result of the first half, but was much more pleased with how we played in the second half."

The Vikings will be hosting Mt. Sac College at 2:00, on Friday.