Chabot Spectator

Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Sean Jones Mayra Loza is about to shoot the ball before the defender takes it.

Media Credit: Chris Qian Chabot midfielder Carlos Cruz attempts to tackle the ball from an opposing player during last Friday's match against Contra Costa College, held at Chabot. Chabot defeated Contra Costa 2-0.

The Chabot College men and women's soccer teams had their double-header home opener on Friday Sept. 7 as the Gladiators scored only two goals, against Contra Costa, in the first half but ended up winning the game 2-0.

The Lady Gladiators put out a strong effort against Long Beach City College, but lost 4-0.

The men's soccer team took the field first.
The Gladiators came out ready to play but appeared to be very nervous since it was their first game of the season.

Later n the 13th minute later, Dickson Igbineweka received a pass about three-quarters in Contra Costa territory and passed it to his left to Daniel Valencia, who then made a low cross to forward Junior Leonardo. Leonardo put the ball past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and gave the Gladiators a 1-0 lead.

The Gladiators had many other opportunities to build up their lead, but failed to put the ball past the Contra Costa goalkeeper.
The Gladiators again found the back of the net in the 38th minute.

This time Leonardo received a pass and he turned around to find fellow teammate Shane Kilby who easily beat the keeper giving the Gladiators a 2-0 lead.

"I was very upset with our players," said head coach Tony Igwe about the failed first half chances to put the ball in the net.

Igwe also said that the men should have scored more goals.

The rest of the second half showcased the Gladiators' strong defense that did not allow Contra Costa to get anything going offensively.

"Since it is the first preseason game, everyone got to play," said Igwe.

"I wanted to see how they would play under pressure and I'm happy we won."

After the men's game, the Lady Gladiators took the field and were ready to take on the Lady Vikings from Long Beach City College.

The Lady Gladiators came out strong, trying to get around LBCC's defense. An awesome chance came to Natalie Arteaga but her shot went wide right.

LBCC then had an opportunity taken away when defender Amber Allen slighty kicked and goalkeeper Smalls reached out her hands to get the ball away from penalty box.

The Lady Gladiators had another chance to score when Esmeralda Lacayo dribbled past three defenders but her shot was easily blocked by the goalie.

LBCC finally broke the score open when one of their midfielders sent a cross that went over all of the heads of the Lady Gladiators defenders.

An LBCC foward then shot the ball over Smalls' head and into the upper righthand corner of the goal, putting them ahead 1-0.

The second half featured the Lady Gladiators doing their best to defend their goal.

But in the 48th minute, LBCC came down and scored once again pushing the lead 2-0.

The Lady Gladiators had another chance when Allen took a shot at the goal but the LBCC goalie made a diving stop.

LBCC scored again in the 65th minute when a forward was left alone and in the 88th minute LBCC scored the fourth and the final goal of the day.

Although they were outmatched and outscored, the Lady Gladiators defenders did not give up.

"The girls need to be more aggressive," said coach Igwe.

"Our goalie is also playing goalie for the first time. We also need to work on our passing, our kicking technique, and strength in our kicking."

The next home game for the Gladiators takes place on Friday against rival school Las Positas College at 4 p.m.

The Lady Gladiators also play Tuesday Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.

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