Rio Hondo College freshman forward Phuc Nguyen's goal in the 87th minute broke a 1-1 tie and proved to be the game-winner as the Roadrunners defeated visiting San Bernardino Valley College 2-1 on Tuesday in Whittier.
Rio Hondo extended its unbeaten streak to start the season and improved to 4-0-2 overall after the non-conference victory.
The Roadrunners jumped ahead midway through the first half thanks to Ricky Sotelo's unassisted goal in the 30th minute. Rio Hondo took that lead into halftime and held the advantage all the way until the 63rd minute when SBVC got the equalizer.
But with the contest reaching its final minutes in regulation, Nguyen came through in the clutch with his first goal of the season off the assist from Alfredo Gutierrez.
Jesus Rendon earned the win in goal for Rio Hondo and made 5 saves.
Up next: Rio Hondo will have a week off until its next contest, a non-conference match at Santa Monica College next Tuesday (Sep. 18) at 3 p.m.