Moorpark Men’s Soccer strikes early against Palomar

Moorpark Freshman forward Jared Fuller attacks the Palomar defense in the first half of the Friday, Sept. 3 game in Moorpark, California. Photo credit: Ryan Bough

By Hunter Deniaud
September 6, 2021

Moorpark Men’s Soccer won its first game of the season against the Palomar Comets 1-0 in a match that saw the Raiders’ offense flourish.

The Raiders’ came out of the gates aggressively and took the lead early when first-year midfielder Marcel Kamberian scored his first collegiate goal of his career in the 21st minute.

“It’s great to get the game off to a great start, and obviously we hope to carry that momentum throughout the rest of the game,” said Kamberian. “It was a great feeling. It was my first college goal, and I am glad that it led to a win.”

Marcel Kamberian takes a long shot from outside of the penalty box in the second half of Friday's match.
After scoring his first collegiate goal in the first half, Marcel Kamberian takes a long shot from outside of the penalty box in the second half of Friday Sept. 3rd’s match that was held in Moorpark, California. Photo credit: Hunter Deniaud

After Kamberian’s goal the Raiders’ offense continued attacking the Comets’ struggling defense. Moorpark had numerous scoring opportunities including multiple corner kicks that put lots of pressure on the Palomar defense. In total, the Raiders had 14 shots, 5 of which were on frame.

On the other side of the pitch, the Raiders’ defense was stellar, holding the Comets to only 3 shots on goal. As a team, the Raiders played with loads of energy that saw them swarm to loose balls which led to a physical style of play with the opposition in pursuit of goal scoring opportunities.

Raiders’ midfielder Dylan Studer stepped up to lead the Raiders as he was very vocal with his fellow teammates whether that be communicating on the fly with his teammates or just giving positive feedback throughout the match.

Tony Reyes takes a shot on goal in the second half of Friday's game that ricochets off of multiple Palomar defenders.
Freshman Tony Reyes takes a shot on goal in the second half of the Friday Sept. 3 game that ricochets off of multiple Palomar defenders. The match was played at Arroyo Vista Community Park as the Moorpark College field is under renovations. Photo credit: Hunter Deniaud

Studer expressed excitement to get back on the field after a year off due to the pandemic.

“We still don’t have everybody, but it is going to be nice when we get on our own field starting Wednesday,” said Studer. “I am excited.”

After the Raiders’ soccer season was canceled last year due to the pandemic, the current team is filled with new faces including 20 freshman. The season is still young but the new players are already forming bonds with one another and trying to make the team a family.

Luke Holwager splits defenders outside of the penalty box to attempt a shot during Friday's game.
Freshman midfielder Luke Holwager splits defenders outside of the penalty box to attempt a shot in the first half of the men’s game on Friday, Sept. 3 in Moorpark, California. Photo credit: Hunter Deniaud

Head coach Jake Gwin spoke highly of how the team has come together and explained how important the team being a close group is.

“We have done a lot of out of practice stuff, whether that be beach sessions or we have had team dinners every Thursday,” said Gwin. “I want them to have fun, I want them to feel like a brotherhood, we want them to feel like a family.”

The Raiders currently sit at a record of 1-1-1 and have a week off before they head to an away game against the El Camino Warriors on Sep. 10 at 2 P.M.