By Henry Severson
Long Beach, CA -- You better have brought your sunscreen for this bright September affair. In one of the more chippy and card-happy matches you'll see, the Long Beach Vikings (1-1-2) finished in a 1-1 deadlock with the Golden West Rustlers (3-0-2).
Long Beach struck first via a drive from sophomore forward Cameron Badal in the 24th minute, with the assist coming from fellow Millikan Ram Jesus Moreno. However, Badal's impact would be short-lived. Double red-cards were issued to Badal and a Rustler opponent, with multiple yellow cards also being given to both sides throughout the contest. The physical nature of the game did not seem to benefit either team more than the other.
The defense stepped up in the first half and in the majority of the second. The Viking goalkeeper, Oliver Juarez, a Downey Viking alum, contributed 9 saves against 10 shots on goal, including a massive save on a free kick at around the 28 minute mark. Freshman Rene Garcia made a game-saving defensive stop at the goal near the end of the first half. The Vikings ceded a goal late in the second half, the second goal of the game and lone one for Golden West.
The Vikings take the pitch next on Friday, September 17th at 4:00 PM against San Diego City College.
