LaSpina leads thrashing of Hartnell

By Matthew Gomez STAFF WRITER

After two years of season-ending disappointments at the hands of Hartnell College, the City College men's soccer team came into this game taking it personally. Sophomore forward Allen LaSpina made sure it was Hartnell who went home disappointed.

The Rams destroyed league rival Hartnell 4-1 at Crocker Amazon Field on Oct. 16.

“We try to play very simple soccer,” City College coach Adam Lucarelli said. “Soccer’s not a hard game. Sometimes coaches try to complicate it.”

The Rams were ready from the start as they controlled the field with good passing and smart positioning. However, Hartnell did put up some pressure when they scored the first goal.

In the 23rd minute, Hartnell midfielder Andres Zamora scored a penalty kick after Rams defender Thomas Kankewics was called for illegal use of hands.

Two minutes later, the Rams bounced back as forward Allen LaSpina scored off a header from a long cross by defender Oscar Wallace. The Rams never looked back.

“The intensity of the team, it was different than the last game,” Assistant Coach Alejandro Uribe said.

LaSpina scored a second goal in the 35th minute after nailing a bicycle kick off a throw-in by midfielder Paul Rodriguez and put City College up 2-1 at halftime.

After intermission, the Rams remained confident and aggressive. Three minutes into the second half, Aaron Jones crossed the ball to LaSpina, who scored off a header for a hat trick and a 3-1 Rams lead.

Hartnell never found their edge as the Rams continued to control play throughout the second half.

LaSpina scored his fourth goal of the match in the 64th minute on a rebound after Hartnell goalkeeper Alex Amezcua blocked a shot by Rams forward Gustavo Tavera.

“Coach just told us to take care of our own business and not worry about the other team,”LaSpina said.

The Rams suffocated Hartnell throughout as they played their most complete soccer game of the season.

City College will return to action Oct. 23 when they take on Monterey Peninsula College at Boxer Stadium, 2 p.m.