Dons advance to Southern California semi finals

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Sophomore midfielder Brandon Novoa battles for the ball Tuesday at SAC’s 5-1 playoff victory against Los Angeles Harbor College.
Sophomore midfielder Brandon Novoa battles for the ball Tuesday at SAC’s 5-1 playoff victory against Los Angeles Harbor College.

By Jorge Campos

Midfielder Leonardo Contreras scored two goals and added an assist as the Dons cruised to a 5-1 playoff victory over visiting Los Angeles Harbor College Seahawks.

“I know I’m nothing without my team. When they do good, I can do good,” Contreras said.

The Seahawks struck first, scoring in the 22nd minute when freshman George Zuniga converted on a cross-field assist from Jose Gonzalez to take an early 1-0 lead. It would not last.

Contreras scored the equalizer four minutes later on a free kick set up by an L.A. Harbor foul about 10 feet outside the box.

“We started touching, we started working and I think they got tired. We did what the coaches tell us which is work it, work it, work it,” Contreras said.

In 56th minute of the contest Contreras was fouled in side the box while attempting to kick the ball for a shot on goal. That foul set up a penalty shot. Goalkeeper Luis Trujillo would score his first goal of the season.

“Guys step up, no matter who we put in there they know it’s an opportunity and they make the best of it. We practice penalty shots, and we know Lalo [Trujillo] can finish,” Dons Head Coach Jose Vasquez said.

Contreras netted in his second goal in the 72nd minute on an assist from Midfielder Uriel Rebollar. Three minutes later Contreras assisted on the Dons fifth goal by Midfielder Jonathan Roman.

The Dons advanced to the third round of the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs and play at San Bernardino Valley College on Saturday at 2 p.m.

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