Facing rival Mt. San Antonio College in the championship game of the South Coast Conference Tournament, the Cerritos College men's soccer team posted a 3-2 win on Friday at El Camino College. The Falcons (19-0-2, 11-0-0), who completed their first-ever unbeaten and untied conference season, will enter the Southern California Regional Playoffs on Saturday, November 19 at home and will be the #1-seeded team.

"Great win tonight for our guys", said head coach Benny Artiaga. "This really validates what a great season we've had. To finish undefeated and number one in the state in all categories, goals against, goals scored, top power points, strength of schedule and never taste defeat, is amazing."

Although on two of the goals by Cerritos were responded by the Mounties in less than a minute, it was the late first half goal that turned out to be the difference in the match. Sophomore Uriel Sanchez (Servite HS) opened the scoring in the 15th minute, with Mt. SAC coming right back to tie the game at 1-1. But prior to halftime, the Falcons scored in the 45th minute to take a 2-1 lead when sophomore Alfredo Ortiz (Oscar De La Hoya HS/East Los Angeles College) fed sophomore Antonio Negrete (St. John Bosco HS), who drove home his 10th goal of the season.

The late first half goal gave the Falcons the momentum they needed, as they extended their lead to 3-1 in the 68th minute when Ortiz brought the ball into Mounties territory and rifled home his second goal of the season. Once again, Mt. SAC responded with a goal in less than a minute.

Freshman goalkeeper Steven Ruiz (Cathedral HS) improved to 12-0-0 on the season by turning away three shots, including making an all-important save on Felipe Cobian with a little over a minute remaining in the game. Cerritos also held off a last-second corner kick by Mt. San Antonio and were able to clear the ball away as the final whistle blew.

"A lot of credit goes to our staff and players," added Artiaga. "I couldn't be more proud."