The Moorpark College Raiders faced off against the Santa Monica College Corsairs in the Western State Conference opener on Tuesday evening in a hard fought match that resulted in a 1-1 tie.

The Raiders (3-4-2) have already won more games than they did last year, resulting in high expectations from the team. This has led to the Raiders playing as a cohesive unit with the team clicking on all cylinders.

The Raiders played with outstanding defense from the beginning kickoff. Goalkeeper Martin Martines was instantly put to work in the opening minutes against the Corsairs offense, coming out aggressive and attempting numerous shots on goal.

Head Coach of the Raiders, Sean Roche, explains that the team’s defense is a reason to be excited and something the team can hang its hat on.

“Their work ethic is magnificent,” sad Roche. “The defensive group has become a team within the team. I think they have great trust [in] each other with exciting potential.”

Both teams continued to battle back and forth with no side able to gain an advantage on the scoreboard until about the 31st minute, when midfielder Sam Curren got the ball in a central position about 35 yards out. Curren made good contact with the ball and, with technique Coach Roche praised, was able to score and give the Raiders a one-point lead.

The lead only lasted for a few minutes, as moments later Santa Monica’s Steven Gomez scored on the other end in the 33rd minute, resulting in a tied score at halftime.

Coach Roche attributes his team’s ability to keep up the defensive intensity for the second half to their mental and physical fitness.

“The second half was an extraordinary challenge to our fitness and focus,” said Roche. “It spoke well of the substitutes that made a difference when they came in. The final moments are often the most critical time in the whole game and often can show the character of the team.”

The team’s character and hard work is what led to the two game winning streak that the Raider’s brought into Tuesday nights game. The Corsairs were also riding a five game winning streak that the Raiders were able to halt, while still remaining unbeaten at home this season.

“Every game within this half of the Western State Conference is going to be a hard fought competition,” Roche explains. “We have decided to focus on our own abilities and intensity and see whether our opponents can handle us.”

The Raiders will hit the road again for their next matchup on Friday, October 14th against L.A. Mission College.