Moorpark College (0-6-0) was defeated 2-0 by Citrus College (1-6-1) in a Western State Conference game at the Raiders Pitch on a sunny, but windy, Tuesday afternoon.

The Raiders held their own against the Owls for most of the game and conceded a lucky goal in the 29th minute that gave the visitors a 1-0 lead. Moorpark kept plugging away looking for the elusive equalizer. However, the visitors struck again in the dying minutes of the game when Frederico Hurtado scored from close range to put the result beyond doubt.

“In this game, we created more opportunities than we have in the past,” Head Coach Sean Roche said. “We’re becoming mentally stronger and physically tougher. We’re starting to put together some of the stuff that we work on in practice.”

In his first start in goal for the Raiders, Ivan Corona Ramirez was clearly nervous and had a few lucky escapes before Citrus scored in the 29th minute. Emilio Del Villar’s accurate corner kick into the penalty box caught the wind and flew directly into the net off the back post.

“We had a much better game from [Monday]; we talked and communicated more,” Corona Ramirez said. “I was nervous, but felt that I overcame my nerves toward the end of the first half.”

The Raiders came close to an equalizer in the 35th minute when Alvaro Zambrano broke free behind the Citrus defense only to be deprived at a critical moment. His free header early in the second half sailed just inches over the crossbar.

“We came out ready to play today and I’ve got a lot more respect,” defender Sam Curren said. “I have more to build off of because we played as a team.”

Moorpark had plenty of chances to score early in the game when Javier Hernandez’s shot just cleared the bar in the fifth minute. Jose Romero’s free kick a minute later from 30 yards forced a good save from Owls’ goalkeeper, Bryan Landgreen. A hard shot from close range by Felipe Luz was blocked by a defender in the 21st minute.

“Today we were more comfortable and we moved the ball around a lot,” outside winger George Blankley said. “[Monday’s game] took a toll. We were tired towards the end, trying to chase the game, and that’s how they got the second goal.”

In addition to Zambrano, who constantly encouraged his teammates both on and off the field, Blankley, Nathaniel Johnson, Karl Lind, Luz and Romero had notable performances.

Given that the Raiders suffered a 7-0 drubbing at Santa Monica on Monday, it was a pleasant surprise to see the team rebound so rapidly and with purpose on Tuesday against Citrus College.

“It’s unfortunate that we did lose, but I’m always encouraged,” Roche said. “That’s why I come out every day. I’m an optimistic person by nature.”

Moorpark hosts Alan Hancock (1-7-2) in a WSC game at the Raiders Pitch on Friday, Oct. 2. Kickoff time is at 2 p.m.