Canyons men's soccer opens season with 4-0 win over Palomar

The College of the Canyons men's soccer team opened its season with a dominating 4-0 victory over Palomar College on Saturday, as three first-half goals propelled the Cougars to the victory.

Canyons looked fully prepared for the season opener as sophomore Joshua Ausherman scored COC's first goal of the season just over seven minutes into the first   half.

The Comets came close to tying the game when a shot by Palomar's Angel Flores hit the crossbar.

COC would strike again in the 11th minute when freshman midfielder Caesar Dominguez tallied his first goal of the season on a penalty-kick that came just 36 seconds after Flores' close call. The successful PK put Canyons in control 2-0.

The Cougars continued their impressive first-half when freshman defender Kevin Santillan added a goal in the 14th minute. This early barrage of scoring allowed COC to take a 3-0 lead into half time.

Canyons added another goal in the second half, when David Hernandez scored on an assist from Tyler Jovel in the 55th minute, making it a 4-0 contest.

The Cougars' defense also gave a strong effort, holding the Comets to one shot on goal on eight shots total in the game. COC goalie Justin Socarras was forced to make just one save in recording his first clean sheet of the season.

Canyons (1-0) will next host Fullerton College (0-1) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29.

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 Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. 

—Tim Strong/COC Sports Information