Cougars Blank Palomar In First Round Playoff Game

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. –The College of the Canyons saw three different players score on Saturday afternoon and the No. 6 Cougars defeated No. 11 Palomar College 3-0 in the first round of the California Community College Southern California Regionals.

The Cougars took a 2-0 lead into halftime. They jumped on the board early in the half, as Andres Bueno got his first score of the post season off a penalty kick in the 19th minute. In the 23rd minute, the Cougars got their second goal of the day. Emmanuel Padron sent a kick into the back of the net from 20 yards out, with an assist from Bueno, to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. 

The Cougars continued to score in the second half. In the 55th minute, COC took a shot on goal that was stopped by Palomar's keeper Hector Prado. Prado bobbled the ball a few times and dropped the ball on the ground, only to see Brooks Walsh give the ball a push into the back of the net.

Goalie Alex Burkevics had two saves in goal and recorded his seventh shutout. 

The win also continues the Cougars' wins streak to eight games, dating back to Oct. 22, 2010.

This is the second consecutive year that COC has made it to the second round. Last season, the Cougars beat Santa Barbara 2-1 at home. 

COC will now travel to No. 3 Cerritos (10-2-9) on Tuesday, Nov. 23, for a second-round game. The first kick is scheduled for 11 a.m.