LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Playing in its first game in nearly two years, the Santa Barbara City College men's soccer team got out to a strong start to its season with a 4-1 win at LA Harbor on Friday afternoon.
Sophomore forward Bart Muns bookended a spectacular Vaquero debut by scoring the first and last goals of the day to go along with an assist. Freshmen midfielders Paulo Carrillo-Weisenburger and Stanley Nash also found the scoresheet.
"The whole squad worked very hard on a hot afternoon and got the reward they deserved," head coach John Sisterson said. "We scored some good goals which were well taken and went close on numerous occasions against tenacious opponents. A very good, deserved win on opening day."
It didn't take long for Santa Barbara to open the scoring, as Muns put away his first of the day in the 12th minute off an assist from Carrillo-Weisenburger. However, LA Harbor answered back quickly to equalize just minutes later.
"It was disappointing to concede a goal within three minutes of going ahead, but we regained our composure and worked hard to regain the lead," Sisterson said. "From then on we always looked a threat going forward, moved the ball around in midfield well, and defended well."
Carrillo-Weisenburger would go on to find the net in the 22nd minute. Sophomore forward Tanner Stevenson provided the assist to help put SBCC back on top, 2-1.
Less than 10 minutes out of the halftime break, Santa Barbara would double its lead. Freshman midfielder Stanley Nash scored in the 54th minute courtesy of an assist from Muns to make it 3-1.
A great save from sophomore goalkeeper Jason Lowell midway through the second half would keep the Vaqueros' momentum alive. Muns went on to secure his brace with another goal in the 74th minute, assisted by freshman forward William Lindblom to cap the scoring at 4-1.
With the win, the Vaqueros have now gone undefeated in four consecutive season-openers. They are now 5-0-1 in their last six matches against the Seahawks, whom they typically face to start the year.
SBCC remains on the road next Friday, Sept. 3 to face Rio Hondo before starting a three-game home stand with Taft on Tuesday, Sept. 7.