COD Men’s Soccer holds on, as heat delays turn away the Vikings, 2-2

COD (0-0-2) is impressively resilient, the heat delayed the start of the game over an hour, then the visitors jumped onto the scoreboard first, but the Roadrunners responded brilliantly, tying the Long Beach Vikings (1-0-1), 2-2.

The Roadrunners played against the Long Beach City Vikings for the first time in program history in 1979 and hold a 8-3-3 overall record against the Vikings. The most recent time these two teams met was in 2008 and the most recent time the Roadrunners walked away with a win in the series was in 1994. Desert has a 5-0-1 record against the Vikings at home.

After safety delays, due to heat, held the start time back over an hour, both coaches agreed to a shortened game, 35 minute halves, in order to get the game in before the sun set on the home field of the Roadrunners. The Vikings spent the better part of the first 11 minutes, swarming the Desert side and after a water break for both teams, the visitors found the back of the net. The Roadrunners responded immediately, as Long Beach City took too long to get back on defense and freshman midfielder Yahir Garcia (Thermal Desert Mirage) pressed a pass forward to sophomore forward Jose Calderon, Jr. (Thermal Desert Mirage) who lobbed a shot over and behind the over committed Vikings keeper to equalize at 1-1. Just before the half, Calderon, Jr. would find the back of the net once more, on an amazing assist by freshman midfielder Adrian Medrano (Hemet H.S.) and sophomore midfielder Manuel Rodriguez (Thermal Coachella Valley). Long Beach City would tie the game on a penalty kick in the 45th minute.

Freshman goal keeper Diego Esparza (Palm Desert H.S.) received the start and sophomore goal keeper Luis Lucio (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep) wrapped up the game.

The next match-up for the Roadrunners will be on the road at the San Diego Mesa Olympians on September 1. The Roadrunners first competed against San Diego Mesa in 1982 and hold an 11-19-4 overall record against them. Desert has a 5-9-1 record against the Olympians in Clairemont Mesa. The next home game for the Roadrunners will be on September 8, when Desert hosts the San Diego City Knights. Desert first competed against the Knights in 1979 and hold an 18-15-5 overall record against them. The Roadrunners hold a 12-6-2 record against the Knights in Palm Desert.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.