The Mesa Men’s soccer team defeated College of the Desert at home Friday night 3-1, a score in the fourth minute helped set the tone for the rest of the game.

The game plan was executed better as the game went on. Midfielder Josh Howerton said, “Basically we practice it everyday.” Efficient ball movement led to three goals, the first two goals were assisted by midfielder Brian Benjume and the third goal which put the game out of reach was assisted by Howerton. Midfielder Ryan Becker and forward Andrew Voltin scored the first two goals that were assisted by Benjume. Both times Benjume had control of the ball inside the six yard box right in front of the goal and he was able to get the ball to the right player who put it in the net. After the second Mesa goal, College of the Desert got on the board with a goal that was shot well outside the goal line.

The goal keepers played well. Paul Ulrich was the starter and Raul Perez played the second half. Neither goalie allowed any goals besides the first one. Coach Michael Lopez gave credit to both goalies, “Ulrich made an incredible save to preserve the 2-1 lead going into the half. Perez made a great save himself, tipping an outside shot just over the bar to keep COD from getting back into the game.”

After Perez made that save, Voltin scored again. Howerton made a run down the field with the ball, got trapped, and passed to Voltin who finished off the play to put them up 3-1.

Even though they were down 3-1, College of the Desert never gave up. Lopez said, “They continued to press and fight their way back in but our defense managed to keep them from creating any significant chances down the stretch and hold on for the win.”

Defender Kawela Benson said, “Coach wants our defense to widen and he wants us to be able to pass the ball in and out of the center.” When asked how he would rate the defense and goalies, Howerton said, “10 out of 10.”

In the second half they made a few adjustments so that they could run the game the way they wanted by controlling the ball more. They played the second half very strong, Benson said, “We have great communication and we were able to handle the ball well.”

After starting the year 0-3-2 they have started to heat up, Howerton said, “We did pretty good today, it was a good win, we have won two in a row, we have to keep the momentum.” Mesa’s record is now 2-3-2.

They open the league schedule on the road at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday against Mira Costa College. Benson said that they needed to work on, “Handling the ball and mostly us just being able to control pass to pass to pass.”

The next home game is Friday, Oct. 18th, at 6 p.m. against Palomar College.