Cougars Suffer 3-1 Home Loss to West Hills Lemoore

College of the Canyons men's soccer vs. West Hills Lemoore College on Sept. 12, 2022.

Team Stats

September 13, 2022

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director  

College of the Canyons suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of visiting West Hills Lemoore on Monday, with a pair of quick goals from the Golden Eagles in the first half proving to be the difference. 

Canyons (1-5) clawed back into the game in the 40th minute on an unassisted goal from Jason Nakoud that helped shift some momentum back in the Cougars' favor heading into halftime.

Prior to that point, West Hills Lemoore (3-0-1) has managed to net back-to-back goals within a matter of moments.

The first came after a save from COC goalkeeper Ivan Kerum, and second from the Cougar defender, before WHL player Octavio Lopez was able to finally bang it in for a 1-0 advantage.

Soon after it was Bryan Escarzaga scoring with his first of the night, also coming unassisted.

Escarzaga added a third goal for the Golden Eagles in the 66th minute for an eventual 3-1 final score.

Kerum started the game and took the loss. He allowed the two first half goals, but also recorded three saves, before being subbed out at halftime. Matthew Swanson finished the game in goal, allowing a single score with a pair of saves.

Canyons earned three corner kicks and outshot West Hills Lemoore 13-12 in the game 

The Cougars will remain home to host Cypress College at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Canyons will then take on Santa Barbara City College at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Both matches will be live streamed to fans via YouTube on the Cougars Sports Network.

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

—Photo by Kyle Kawamoto / COC Sports Information