Men's Soccer: Garcia hat trick leads Rio Hondo to 3-2 win

Sophomore Jesus Garcia provided all the offense for the surging Rio Hondo College men's soccer team as he tallied all three goals to lead the Roadrunners to a 3-2 non-conference win over visiting No. 6 state-ranked Irvine Valley College on Tuesday in Whittier.

Rio Hondo is unbeaten in its last four games and with tonight's victory improved to 3-1-2 overall. The Roadrunners host San Bernardino Valley College on September 20 and travel to Santa Monica College on Sept. 23 to close out the non-conference schedule.

On Tuesday, Irvine Valley stunned the Roadrunners with an early goal in the first minute by Connor Elder. But Garcia and the Roadrunners responded as he tied up the contest with his goal in the 15th minute off the assist from Nicholas Knapp. Garcia put Rio Hondo in front in the 41st minute with his goal off the pass from Jefferson Cluggy-Soto.

Irvine Valley finally got the equalizer in the 70th minute thanks to Sean Goode's goal, but Garcia completed the hat trick with his final score in the 75th minute, getting assisted by Antonio Villegas for the game-winner.

Sophomore Edwin Elizarraraz earned the victory in goal for the Roadrunners as he totaled four saves. Colin Smith also had four saves for Irvine Valley in the loss. Irvine Valley dropped to 4-2 overall.