Cougars Score 6-2 Win Over Citrus on Sophomore Night

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director   

College of the Canyons erupted for a season-best six goals to handily defeat Citrus College 6-2 on Friday as part of the program's annual 'Sophomore Night'.

Canyons (5-11-3, 3-6) played on its home pitch for the final time this season, improving its home record to an even 4-4-2 on the season. 

Prior to first touch the coaching staff recognized its five sophomores for their contributions to the program over the last two seasons. Included in the ceremony were: Diego Briseno, Steven Garcia, Juandiego Rodriguez, Jeffrey Contreras and Leon Mikailian.

Following a scoreless opening half Canyons broke through in the 47th minute on Ivan Omana's first goal of the season. The score came off an assist from Andrew Sorto and started the action at 1-0.

Moments later Omana converted again, with his score in the 48th minute this time coming via a touch from Carlos Mendez for the 2-0 advantage.

Citrus (1-18-1, 1-8) was able to get on the board in the 61st minute with a Kevin Cardenas goal that cut the deficit in half at 2-1.

Later it was the sophomore Contreras netting his first score of the season on an unassisted scoring strike in the 73rd minute.

The Owls quickly answered back with a second score from Cardenas to keep things close at 3-2 for the Cougars' side.

The COC sophomores continued the scoring barrage with Rodriguez upping his season scoring total to three, with goals coming in the 74th minute and again in the 87th minute. Rodriguez' first goal came after an assist from Justin Assadi, while his second was supplied by Mikailian.

Mikailian issued the final exclamation mark in the 90th minute with his goal extending the Cougars' lead to a 6-2 final score.

COC goalkeeper Jonathan Mazon started in goal and registered a pair of saves. However, it was David Zendejas (3-8) who played the second half and eventually earned the win.

The Cougars tallied a season-high 26 shots in the game, with 17 coming on goal. COC added nine corners to its efforts.

Citrus goaltender AJ Baragan finished with nine saves despite the six goals allowed.

Canyons will close out the season with a trip to Santa Monica College at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. 

—Photo by Carla Sophia Velasco/COC Sports Information