New Field Not Pitch Perfect

The women’s team has not won in the new sports complex after falling to Moorpark on Tuesday. / Shane Collins / el Don

By: Shane Collins

The new $5.6 million soccer complex opened to mix reviews this year.

“As grateful as we are to have such a beautiful complex, there are always little things here and there that you wish had been done differently with construction,” said Dean of Kinesiology Avie Bridges.

The covered media area and player benches quickly become caught in the sun because the roofs are set at inconvenient angles.

The fence that surrounds the entire complex has wide enough gaps in between the bars for anyone to slip through.

“We can’t charge for any of our games because it’s so easy for someone to just walk through the gate,” Sports Information Director Jason Kehler said.

Players and coaches enjoy the way the new, flat field contributes to the pace of the game.

“I love the surface. The traction makes it easier to run on, and it’s so flat that the ball rolls for a longer distance, creating more ball control. The players don’t have to worry about hitting divots or sprinklers,” Head Coach Jose Vasquez said.

Entering conference play, the men’s team is 1-1 at home while the women’s team is still searching for their first home victory at 0-2.

While the tempo is quicker for the men’s team, the women aren’t far behind but are looking for that extra push on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively, Coach Vasquez said.

“The games that we have lost are tough, because for the most part, the women are there. We just have to get them to close out the games and we can’t keep making little mistakes. It’s killing us,” Vasquez said.

College officials will attend the official opening ceremony Friday at 11 a.m. in the parking lot.

President Erlinda Martinez, Dean Bridges and the Board of Trustees will be present.

The women will play the visiting Norco Mustangs at 1 p.m.—their second conference game—and the men will host the Pasadena City College Lancers at 3 p.m.