Eagles Open Season With 4–3 Thriller Over Long Beach

Sylmar, CA — August 29, 2025

The Los Angeles Mission College men's soccer team began its 2025 campaign with a statement victory, edging Long Beach City College 4–3 in front of a lively home crowd at El Cariso Park. The Eagles built an early lead behind standout play from sophomore midfielder Diego Ceja, then held off a late Long Beach rally to secure their first win of the season.

 First-Half Control

Mission struck first in the 12th minute when Ceja buried his first goal of the season, assisted by forward Sebastian Montalvan. Ceja added a second goal just eight minutes later with a well-placed finish, giving the Eagles a 2–0 advantage. Goalkeeper Josue Orona anchored the back line through the opening half, keeping Long Beach off the scoreboard as Mission carried a two-goal lead into the break.

 Second-Half 

The match came alive in the second half as both teams traded goals in a high-paced stretch. Freshman forward Brandon Valdivia extended the lead to 3–0 in the 59th minute with his first collegiate goal.

Long Beach responded with two quick strikes — Steven Mancina in the 63rd minute and Julian Zarate in the 67th — to cut the deficit to one. Mission regained momentum when defender Miguel Aguirre scored in the 71st minute off an assist from Ceja, restoring a two-goal cushion.

The Vikings refused to quit, with Jiro Uchida pulling one back in the 76th minute. Despite the pressure, Mission's back line and Orona's four saves preserved the 4–3 victory.

 Key Performers

• Diego Ceja (Mission): 2 goals, 1 assist, 4 shots on goal

• Miguel Aguirre (Mission): 1 goal, game-winning strike in the 71st minute

• Brandon Valdivia (Mission): 1 goal (59')

• Sebastian Montalvan (Mission): 1 assist, 2 shots

• Josue Orona (Mission): 4 saves on 7 shots on goal

For Long Beach, Mancina, Zarate, and Uchida each scored once, while goalkeeper Fabio Ardizzoia recorded 2 saves.