Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West men's soccer (2-2-5, 1-0-1) won their first OEC game of the 2023 season against the Santiago Canyon Hawks (3-3-2, 0-1-1), 2-0. 

Coming off of a tie against No. 17 Irvine Valley, the Rustlers hosted their first conference game of the year versus the Hawks. At home after a three consecutive road matchups, Golden West looked to fight for a win following three draws. 

A quiet first half from the GWC Soccer Complex saw a scoreless 45 minute start. Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Rustlers tallied the first goal of the game. Off of an assist from Francisco Vieira, Jesus Melgoza found the back of the net to put Golden West up, 1-0. With ten minutes left of regulation, the home team added a second goal for insurance. On a free kick, Christopher Loera booted the ball to put the Rustler advantage at two. The score would hold the same as Golden West would win their first OEC game of the season, 2-0. 

Melgoza would start the scoring for the Rustlers as his one shot on goal would score for the games inaugural goal. Loera would also take advantage of his one shot on goal with a score himself which extended the home team's lead. Goalkeeper, Daniel Barragan held the Hawks scoreless all game for his first shutout win of the year as he collected four saves. 

NEXT UP: The Rustlers will travel to Saddleback for the team's third conference matchup on Tuesday, October 3rd. Kickoff will be at 3pm from Saddleback Stadium.