Irvine Valley's men's soccer team didn't get off to the start it wanted in the 2023 season opener at home on Tuesday against El Camino.
The Warriors got two goals from Marvin Gamez in the first 22 minutes and went on to a 3-0 victory over the Lasers.
El Camino also knocked IVC out of the So. Cal. Regional Playoffs last season.
The Warriors were on the hunt for goals from the start and took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when Shingo Nakano found Gamez for a goal.
The duo hooked up again in the 22nd minute to give El Camino a 2-0 advantage.
Irvine Valley had a couple of opportunities early in the first half, but both headers went wide.
The Lasers played much better in the second half and IVC coach Conor Ward said it was because of the dedicated play of a group of freshmen that entered at halftime.
Sophomore Grant Miller had a shot saved by El Camino keeper Donovan Palomares early in the second half.
But in the 66th minute, IVC was called for a foul that led to an ECC penalty kick. Freshman keeper Josh Simonton, who entered after the half, saved Steven Alvarenga's first attempt, but thje ball bounced right back to him and Alvarenga one-timed the next chance into the back of the net.
Simonton had two saves in the second half for the Lasers.
Irvine Valley is back in action on Saturday. The Lasers make their annual trip to the Hartnell College Tournament this weekend. The Lasers take on Hartnell on Saturday at noon.
