Long Beach City College’s men’s soccer team starts the playoffs today in Oxnard at 2:00 p.m. This is the fifth time in the past six years that the Vikings have made the playoffs, each year against Oxnard. The Vikings hope to avenge last year’s home defeat.
The Vikings are currently ranked No. 18 in the nation, and have been ranked in the top 20 since early October. In addition, they have had the third longest unbeaten streak (11 games) in the Southern California region this year. Leading the 12-4-4 team from his midfield position is two time all conference first team selection and team co-captain, Ruben Menjivar.
Defensively, Adrian Martinez is a two time all conference first team selection, and the only returning defender from last year’s squad. Offensively, the Vikings all conference first team selection Carlos Maldonado tops the team in goals, with nine, and leads the entire Southern California region in assists with 15.
With a win Saturday, the Vikings would move onto the quarterfinals Tuesday at 2:00 versus the winner of the Cerritos – Cuyamaca game.