Men’s Soccer: Rio Hondo completes comeback for 4-3 win at PCC

Trailing 3-1 with under 20 minutes to play, the Rio Hondo College men's soccer team completed one of its greatest comebacks in recent memory. The Roadrunners scored three consecutive goals, including a penalty kick by Brian Martinez in the 81st minute that proved to be the game-winner, in an amazing 4-3 victory at Pasadena City College on Friday.

Edwin De Jesus' goal in the 62nd minute gave the host Lancers a commanding two-goal advantage. But Rio Hondo didn't quit.

Humberto Mendez Rojas flicked in his shot off a pass from Daniel Sanchez in the 64th minute to get the Roadrunners back into the game. 14 minutes later, Martinez knocked in a rebounded shot to tie up the game at three goals each.

With momentum on its side, Rio Hondo continued to put offensive pressure on the Pasadena defense. In the 82nd minute, PCC defender Christopher Munoz was called for the infraction inside the penalty box. Martinez calmly nailed home the go-ahead goal on the PK and the Roadrunner defense held tough over the final moments to secure the win.

Eric Banos posted eight saves in goal for Rio Hondo to help earn the victory. Phuc Nguyen also scored for the Roadrunners, as his goal in the 50th minute tied the game up at 1-1.

The win improved Rio Hondo to 7-1-4 overall and 1-1-1 in South Coast Conference North Division play. The Roadrunners return to action on Tuesday (Oct. 9) to host Chaffey College at 6 p.m.