Men’s Soccer Makes Playoffs

The Eagles seeded 12 are headed to no. 5 Rio Hondo for the first round of state playoffs Saturday November 19 at 4 p.m.

Los Angeles Mission’s potential to make it into the post season was questionable last week after a loss to Allen Hancock College but their tough schedule has kept them in the running.

Playing competitive nonconference teams like Lake Tahoe, Hartnell and Fresno College has given them enough power points to clinch their spot.

The Eagles and Rio Hondo have a history and by some twist of fate the two teams have been matched up for the second time in two years during playoffs.

When the two met in the second round of playoffs last season Mission managed to pull of the upset win during a penalty shootout in extra time.

This season Rio Honda suffered a 4-0 Loss to Mission early in the season as well.

Having those wins is a double edged sword though because on the positive side the Eagles know what they need to do to beat their opponent.

Negatively it means that Rio Hondo will likely be playing that much harder to try and finally take down LA Mission when it really counts.

Regardless of who their opponents are, number 20 for the Eagles Cristobal Hernandez believes that this team is the “sleeping giant” of playoffs waiting to show everyone what they are capable of.

Right now the team is staying focused on maintaining their health and keeping key players in peak physical condition for the long run ahead of them.

The winner of this match will advance to round two against either no. 4 Irvine Valley College or no. 13 Victor Valley College later this month.