The San Bernardino Valley College men's soccer team opened the 2019 season looking to improve upon a 2018 campaign that ended in a second place conference finish and missing out on the postseason because of struggles finding the back of the net.
If the team's first two games are any indication, scoring goals won't be a problem this season.
The Wolverines have scored 10 times in victories over San Diego Mesa and Los Angeles Mission to open the season 2-0.
In the Aug. 27 opener against San Diego Mesa, the Wolverines found themselves behind in the second minute after a defensive breakdown. But they answered back in the fifth minute as Valente Gutierrez scored the first goal of the season for SBVC. Then, in the 35th minute, Kevin Sutton headed home a free kick delivery from Carlos Gonzalez to give SBVC a lead. But Mesa tied it in the closing moments of the half to send the teams to the break tied at 2.
In the second half, the Wolverines took the lead on Juan Aparicio's goal in the 79th minute. But the Wolverines had troubles holding the ball, leading to a Mesa attack that ended with a penalty kick being awarded in the 85th minute. Mesa's Zane Wade slotted in the free shot, tying the game.
But the Wolverines would answer back with two goals, with Cesar Becerra getting the game-winner in the 89th minute, and Jose Solis scoring on a penalty kick in stoppage time to account for the final goal.
Against LA Mission, the Wolverines took the lead early, then scored goals in bunches to put away the Eagles. Misael Castaneda opened the scoring on a pass from Cristian Uruttia in the 13th minute. After the Eagles tied the game in the 22nd minute, the Wolverines gained control. Sutton scored his second goal of the season off a feed from Castaneda in the 28th minute, and in the 31st minute, it was Sutton setting up Jose Solis on a give-and-go play to give SBVC a 3-1 lead at the break.
In all, the Wolverines have had seven players find the net to start the season, with Sutton, Gutierrez and Solis each scoring twice. Luis Hernandez and Arturo Magana have each picked up a victory in goal,