Cougars Score Twice in Fall at Sequoias

By Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information

VISALIA — College of the Canyons made the trip to College of the Sequoias (COS) for its third road game to open the 2024, dropping another close contest in a 3-2 resul on Tuesday.

Canyons (0-2-1) had played to a scoreless draw vs. San Diego City College in its previous match. 

Jairo Medina struck first for COS (3-0-1) in the 13th minute of play, putting the ball past the Cougars' freshman goalkeeper Hunter Maiden. 

The early score was the only goal Maiden allowed in his 45 minutes between the posts while also recording four saves on five total shots. 

In the 35th minute Canyons answered back with a goal from freshman Nick Sandoval which sent the two teams into halftime at 1-1.

COC freshman goalkeeper Mario Velasquez subbed in for the second half and was charged with two goals against. Velasquez faced four shots on goal, saving two.

Sequoias found its second scoring touch in the 55th minute from Johnathan Ibarra. Ibarra also had a hand in COS's first goal, picking up an assist on the play 

COS doubled its lead at 3-1 in the 80th minute with a goal form Miguel Hernandez, assisted by Joshua Urista Herrer.  

The Cougars pushed back resulting in a goal from sophomore Garrett Carrillo in the 85th minute. But Carillo's goal wasn't enough, as the COS score from Hernandez proved to be the difference maker in the 3-2 final score.

Canyons plays its first home match of the 2024 season Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Leemore College. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.  

That game is being broadcast live to fans free of charge via the Cougars Sports Network.

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.