College of the Canyons men’s soccer freshman Andrew Sorto scored his first collegiate goal, which proved to be enough, as the Cougars defeated visiting Moorpark College 1-0 on Tuesday night, Aug. 26.

The win was the first season-opening victory for the Cougars since the 2018 season.

COC got on the board in the 18th minute after capitalizing on a Moorpark (0-2) turnover deep in the Raiders’ zone. From there, it was freshman Carlos Mendez receiving the ball and sending a quick touch to Sorto, who had found a plethora of space on the left side.

Sorto, who attended Saugus High School, promptly beat the Moorpark keeper to the right-post side for the 1-0 score.

That early advantage was coupled with the play of Canyons goalkeepers Jonathan Mazon and David Zendejas, who each recorded four saves in the game for a combined clean sheet. Mazon (1-0) started between the pipes and earned the victory with Zendejas holding true down the stretch.

Canyons (1-0) earned four corner kicks and was marked for eight shots, including three high-quality attempts during stoppage time.

Moorpark ended its night with 14 total shots but was never able to break through. The Raiders also found a slight edge with five corners.

The Cougars return to action Friday, Aug. 29, vs. San Diego Miramar College. First touch is scheduled for 4 p.m. with that contest being live streamed to fans free of charge on the award-winning Cougars Sports Network.

The contest is part of a Canyons soccer doubleheader with the COC women’s team also hosting San Diego Miramar at 6:30 p.m.

Local SCV club soccer teams are invited to attend and will be admitted free of charge with team jersey. Additionally, $1 hotdogs will be on sale during the match (while supplies last).

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