COD Men’s Soccer Battles to 2–2 Draw in Gritty Road Result at Long Beach City

The College of the Desert Men's Soccer team (1-5-3) traveled to the South Bay and delivered one of their most resilient performances of the season, earning a hard-fought 2–2 draw against the Long Beach City Vikings (2-4-3) — a result that feels much like an upset against a perennial playoff contender.

The Roadrunners and Vikings first squared off in 1979, with COD holding an 8-4-4 overall series advantage.

COD wasted no time making a statement.

*In the 8th minute, sophomore midfielder Kevin Franjic (La Quinta H.S.) put the Roadrunners ahead 1–0.
*Then in the 31st minute, sophomore defender Rigoberto Rubio Morales (Thermal Coachella Valley) netted his first goal of the season, assisted by freshman defender Sergio Gomez-Bustos (Shadow Hills H.S.), extending the lead to 2–0 heading into halftime.

The second half saw a fierce comeback from Long Beach City, who scored in the 53rd and 55th minutes to level the match at 2–2.

Despite heavy pressure late, the Roadrunners defense held firm to secure the draw.

Sophomore goalkeeper Angel Ayon-Melendez (Indio Shadow Hills) faced 21 shots — including 3 on goal — standing tall under relentless attack to protect the result.

What's Next

COD remains on the road for its next two matches before returning home to open Inland Empire Athletic Conference play on Monday, October 7 at 6 p.m. against the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines at Shadow Hills High School in Indio.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.