The Moorpark College Raiders had a much-needed win, shutting out Citrus College 3-0 Tuesday afternoon.

The game was dominated by the Raiders’ defense, but not in traditional fashion. The Raiders’ defense was frugal, allowing only one shot on goal in the second half, but unconventionally, most of the offense belonged to the defense.

Captain Luis Gutierrez scored the first goal in the 41st minute heading in a line drive from teammate Jose Garcia, a fellow defender. The fluidity of the defense translated into a positive for the offense.

Head Coach Sean Roche was pleased with the versatility shown by his tested defense.

“Being a defender is about having experience,” said Roche. “There is a group of six that play pretty solid, three of them sophomores. They are experienced.”

Garcia, the man who got the assist on the first goal, scored on the Owls in familiar fashion, heading in a corner from teammate Gerardo Espinoza in the 77th minute.
Roche believed his team was able to play the entire field well, which contributed to opportunities to get shots on goal.

“They are continually applying headers,” said Roche about his defenders. “They play all areas of the field.”

Forward Josh Hibbert scored the other Raider goal on a breakaway in the 51st minute.
Victor Gonzalez started at keeper for the Raiders, ensuring a scoreless outing for the Owls.

The victory could not come at a better time for the Raiders, who ended a three-game losing streak.

Roche considered this game a moral victory for a Raider team that has struggled the past three games.

“The guys, [they] gain confidence back,” said Roche.

The Raiders improved to 6-5-1 on the year, including a 4-3 record in Western State Conference play with seven games remaining.