Eagles Look to Soar Higher in Rankings as They Host Golden West

SYLMAR, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2025) — The Los Angeles Mission College men's soccer team takes the field at home tonight against Golden West College, looking to build on its undefeated start and prove worthy of its No. 3 tie in the first 2025 CCCSIA Men's Soccer Poll.

Poll Context: Mission Among the Elite

With three early-season wins and two hard-fought draws, the Eagles (3-0-2) are establishing themselves as one of the top programs in California. They sit tied for No. 3 in the statewide poll with El Camino, trailing only Feather River and De Anza. Mission's stingy defense and balanced scoring have made them one of the hardest teams to beat in the 3C2A this fall.

Golden West, meanwhile, has struggled to gain footing. The Rustlers (0-2-2) come into tonight's game unranked, with only 13 poll points after suffering decisive defeats to Cerritos (6-1) and Santa Monica (4-1).

Eagles' Offensive Firepower

Mission's offense has been led by sophomore midfielder Diego Ceja, who already has 4 goals and 2 assists on the season, accounting for 10 points. His efficiency has been remarkable — scoring on 57% of his shots. Ceja has become the centerpiece of the attack, creating chances both as a scorer and distributor.

Behind him, freshman defender Miguel Aguirre has been a surprising contributor with 2 goals and 1 assist, while Cristopher Martinez Recinos and Sebastian Montalvan have each added goals that have turned into game-winners. In total, Mission has spread its scoring across six different players, giving the Eagles balance and unpredictability in the final third.

Defensive Backbone

On the back line, the Eagles have been equally strong. Mission has conceded just four goals in five games, thanks to disciplined defending from veterans like Jason Ortiz, Pablo Leon, and Cristopher Martinez Recinos.

In net, sophomore goalkeeper Josue Orona has been a steady anchor. Across 315 minutes, Orona has posted a 1.14 goals-against average with a .765 save percentage, recording one shutout and allowing the team to stay in tight matches — including a crucial 0-0 draw at powerhouse Mt. San Antonio.

Golden West's Challenge

Golden West enters with an offense that has shown flashes — scoring two goals each against Cuyamaca and MiraCosta — but the Rustlers have struggled to defend against high-powered attacks. Allowing 12 goals across four matches, they'll face their biggest test yet against a Mission squad ranked among the state's elite.

What's at Stake

• Mission: A win would cement the Eagles' place in the Top 3 and keep pressure on Feather River and De Anza at the top of the poll.

• Golden West: An upset would provide a season-defining boost and prove they can compete with California's best.

Kickoff

The match begins tonight at 6:00 p.m. at El Cariso Stadium, with the Eagles aiming to remain undefeated and continue their rise in the state rankings.

�� Player to Watch: Diego Ceja (LAMC, M, So.) — 4 goals, 2 assists, team leader in points.
�� X-Factor: GK Josue Orona (LAMC, So.) — already has 13 saves and a shutout in 2025.