Moorpark College men’s soccer lost its third game in a row and its first home game of the season to Cypress College on Friday afternoon.

Evenly matched on paper, Moorpark, 0-3-0, struggled to keep pace with the Chargers, 1-3-1. The Raiders started off strong but were gradually worn down by the visitor’s superior skills and agility.

“The wide player, and the central player who dominated in midfield, were exceptional [for Cypress],” Head Coach Sean Roche said. “We made the same silly mistakes, giving the ball away in places we shouldn’t. They were good enough to capitalize a couple of times.”

Goalkeeper Allan Montalvo made several fine saves on Chargers breakthroughs and kept the Raiders in the game. Unfortunately, his efforts couldn’t overcome the team’s lack on energy.

“We had our moments, but overall we didn’t work as well as a team and got a little tired,” Moorpark midfielder Sam Curren said. “We need to get more conditioned.”

Cypress pinned Moorpark in its own half for most of the game, and scored first on Armando Monjaraz’s low shot past Montalvo inside the penalty area in the 18th minute.

The Chargers struck again six minutes later, on another well placed shot by Brandon Doran from a corner kick. The visitors led 2-0 at halftime.

The Raiders were not 100% in this game as they were plagued by injuries.

“Hector [Chavez] is injured; he’s a key player in the center,” Raiders midfielder Jose Romero said. “Kenta [Nutley] played five minutes on defense. He got hurt and couldn’t [continue]. Once they get better we should improve.”

The Raiders cut the deficit in the 54th minute with its first goal of the game and season. Goalkeeper Austin Cummins squandered a save opportunity when he let a shot from close range by Moorpark’s forward Felipe Luz slip under his body into the empty net, 2-1.

“I’m glad I was able to pass to Felipe, who tricked the goalkeeper to make the ball slip through his fingers,” defender Nicholas Hughes said. “Cheers for the Brazilian who got the goal.”

In the 60th minute, Montalvo was unable to clear the ball properly which led to Charger’s midfielder Sergio Avila obtaining the ball. Avila pounced and rifled a shot into the back of the net to add an insurance goal for the Chargers, now ahead 3-1.

“We need to communicate more, and play together as a team,” Moorpark’s Misael Rodriguez forewarned. “If that doesn’t happen, then it’s going to be like this the whole season.”

Toward the end the heat took its toll as Cypress swarmed all over the Raiders stretched defenders. Chargers freshman midfielder Alexis Esparza continued the scoring on a shot from close range in the final minutes, 4-1.

“I’m not happy that we lost, but we made up some ground and will continue to do so,” Coach Roche said. “They were quick and they scored. That makes a difference.”

The Raiders will face-off at home against conference rivals Oxnard College on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m.