Tough first half dooms shorthanded Pirates

COSTA MESA -- The injury bug was in full display as the shorthanded Orange Coast College men's soccer team came out flat and lost a 4-1 decision to visiting Cypress on Tuesday at the OCC Soccer Complex.

The Chargers (8-6-3, 4-4-1 in the Orange Empire Conference) jumped out to a 3-0 lead through the first 33 minutes of play with goals coming from Nomar Ibarra, Alfonso Montano and Braulio Morales.

But, just 25 seconds after Morales' goal, the Pirates (5-8-3, 1-6-2) battled back and got on the scoreboard when a shot off the foot of Armand Pigeon was deflected to the foot of teammate Jesus Olague, who fought off a Cypress save before slamming the rebound into the back of the net to bring Coast to within two at 3-1.

But with just over a minute remaining in the first half, Julio Perez scored for the Chargers to give the guests a 4-1 lead into halftime. Both teams battled through a scoreless second half, with OCC goalkeeper Slater Kucera finishing with five saves and Cypress keeper Eduardo Rivera stopping four shots on goal.

Coast will play at Irvine Valley on Friday at the OC Great Park, beginning at 3 p.m. before returning to the OCC Soccer Complex on Tuesday against rival Golden West, beginning at 3 p.m.