Hartnell wins conference opener

Redwood City, CA.

Juan Alvarez's goal in the 78th minute secured a 2-1 win over Canada College in the conference opener for both teams. Hartnell improved to (3-2-2) overall and (1-0-0) in the Coast Conference.

Hartnell opened the scoring late in the first half with a goal by Miguel Viduari off an assist from Juan Ochoa. Midway through the second half, Canada leveled the score. The physically played match in 94 degree heat, which was intensified by the synthetic turf field, seemed headed towards a draw. But with 12 minutes left in the match, Juan Alvarez received a lofted ball from Andres Zamora, beat a Canada defender, and curled a perfectly placed shot in the upper right corner of the goal to give Hartnell the win.

The defense was led by goal keeper Alex Amezcua, who stopped 9 shots which included some late game heroics to preserve the victory. Hartnell travels next Tuesday to face Foothill College.