Citrus Kicks Into Gear In 2-0 Shutout of Antelope Valley

Friday's Citrus Soccer doubleheader opened with an important conference victory for the Men's team. The visiting Antelope Valley Marauders came into the match with its sights set on staying over .500 for their conference record. But the Owls had their sights set on the conference's top spot and commanded control of the game from start to finish. 

Scoring for Citrus were Joel Rosales, who was assisted by Javier Arellano, and Gilberto Vega, who was assisted by Patrick Luevano. The Citrus defense played steady and strong all game and produced ample transitional counterattack chances for the Owl offense. Some of the most exciting plays of the game for Citrus were on the defensive end, where starting keeper Jorge Quinones made several high flying saves that had the crowd gasping, including a 30 yard long ball from the Marauders that forced Quinones to sprint in retreat before max jumping backwards to punch the ball over the top post and out of bounds. Later in the last several minutes of the game, reserve goalie Christian Arevalo blocked a direct penalty kick from Antelope Valley, much to the pleasure of the home crowd and the Citrus bench. 

Citrus improves to 6-5-4 on the year, with a 4-1-1 conference mark. The Owls take the field again Tuesday at home vs Bakersfield.