Men’s soccer: OCC enters win column

TORRANCE - It took longer than expected, but for Orange Coast

College men’s soccer, a win is a win.

Arrash Saidi’s goal in the 20th minute of play gave the Pirates their

first win of the season as they blanked host El Camino, 1-0, Wednesday.

“He was very patient with the ball once he got and he was able to put

it in short-side, from a tough angle,” co-coach Laird Hayes said.”

Another big factor for OCC (1-6-1) was the play of backup goalie Geno

Vitale-Sansoti, who had seven saves, most of which came late in the

contest.

“He’s just a very energetic young man,” Hayes said. “I guess he played

a little bit of goalie in the past and he just told that he’d go out

there and do the best he can. He did a great job for us.”

Vitale-Sansoti started for Pirate goalie Carlos Loza, who missed

Wednesday’s game with a slightly separated left shoulder.

Loza is expected to play in OCC’s conference opener Friday against

Santa Ana.

“How can you complain when the guys are working their butts off for 90

minutes a game?” Hayes said. “We’re playing with a lot of heart and

hopefully we can make some things happen on Friday.”