Despite a strong start, Moorpark College men’s soccer lost the season opener, 3-0, at Palomar College on Tuesday afternoon in San Marcos.

Raiders’ defensive errors led to Palomar’s first two goals, one late in the first half and the second after the break. The Comets added a decisive third goal late in the game and sealed Moorpark’s fate.

“The first half went pretty well and we held our own,” Raiders Head Coach Sean Roche said. “We made one error and they scored off of it. In the second half, we had more difficulty getting forward, and spent the majority of the time defending.”

Due to restrictions on some athletes, Roche said that he could field only 14 eligible players for Tuesday’s game, adding that as more players are cleared to play, the team’s prospects should improve.

“We started off pretty well,” said freshman defensive midfielder, George Blankley, 18. “Toward the end we tired, and they got two goals in the last 15 minutes.”

Roche said that some players played beyond expectations, and that others may do better in another role on the team.

“Indecisive clearances resulted in the first two goals,” he said. “We didn’t get enough distance on one clearance, and they picked it up [and scored]. It was the same thing on the second error; an indecisive clearance.”

Freshman center midfielder Sam Curren, 18, said that team chemistry has not gelled yet, but sees Tuesday’s game as a promising start.

“I’m interested in getting fit, and moving on to the next level to play D1,” Curren said. “I have a lot of friends who play for CSUN. They have a very good team.”

Sophomore midfielder Alvaro Zambrano said he likes the competition and staying in shape.

“For our first game, we showed a lot of chemistry and work ethic,” Zambrano said. “I’m really excited to play with these guys.”

The second game of the season is scheduled at Irvine Valley College on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m.

“It will be a tough game; they’re a good team,” Roche said. “On the men’s side, there are no easy teams, so it’s rough every week.”