Canyons and Desert Play to 3-3 Draw

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director  

College of the Canyons took a lead into halftime before having to settle for a 3-3 draw after College of the Desert was able to push across a late goal for the game's final score.

The three goals scored by Canyons (2-5-3) represented a season high and was also the most in a match since the 2023 season.

The scoring frenzy began in the 24th minute with Vince Diaz able to find the back of the net on an unassisted scoring strike. Diaz' goal, his first of the season tied the game at 1-1 following a score from Desert (1-6-4) in the 21st minute.

Just four minutes later COD retook the lead at 2-1 with a goal from Hector Baltierra I the 28th minute.

Moments later Alexander Deras took a touch from Carlos Mendez to knot things up at 2-2. The score was Deras' first of the season.

Canyons continued to attack and was rewarded with Ike D'Silva able to take advantage of an opportunity that put Canyons ahead at 3-2 in the 44th minute.

COC goalkeeper David Zendejas started and played the first half before giving way to Jonathan Mazon for the second half.

The game's pace slowed in the final 45 minutes as the two sides continued to battle. Eventually, Jeffrey Vasquez scored for the Roadrunners with his goal coming in the 82nd minute in what was an eventual 3-3 finals core.

Mazon (2-1-3) was credited with five save in taking the decision.

Desert finished the game with 18 shots, compared to 11 coming from the Cougars. COC earned five corner kicks in the match.

Canyons will now begin the conference portion of its schedule with a trip to Antelope Valley College for the Western State Conference (WSC), South Division opener on Friday, Oct. 10. That game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start time.

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