Titans do well in the second half to win 3-2 over Centralia

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Community College defeated Centralia College 3-2 on Wednesday at home, with Tacoma's decisive second-half performance securing the win.

Both teams recorded an equal number of goals in the first half, but the Titans pulled ahead with two goals in the second half.

The first half commenced with Tacoma applying early pressure, as Bracken Overby and Davyd Fedina tested Centralia's defense with shots in the opening minutes. Despite Tacoma's aggressive start, they faced a setback when Gabriel Ramos received a red card at the 19th minute, leading to a penalty kick goal by Centralia's Carlos Angel Hernand, placing the visitors ahead.

Tacoma responded determinedly as Kuan-Lin Chen leveled the score with a goal in the 34th minute, assisted by Porter Herbig. Manny Zuniga's goalkeeping kept the match even with crucial saves, ensuring the teams entered halftime tied at 1-1.

The second half began with Tacoma maintaining pressure on Centralia, highlighted by a series of early attempts, including a shot by Taylor Duffek hitting the crossbar. Tacoma capitalized on their momentum when Davyd Fedina converted a penalty kick in the 49th minute, extending the lead to 2-1. Just minutes later, Duffek, assisted by Jason Adams, found the back of the net at the 52:52 mark, pushing the lead to 3-1.

Despite numerous attempts from Tacoma to further increase their lead, Centralia managed to narrow the gap to 3-2 with a goal by Mario Silva Gutierre in the 83rd minute. The Titans' defense held firm in the closing minutes, ensuring the scoreboard remained in their favor. The period concluded with Tacoma securing a 3-2 victory.

Tacoma battled back from an early deficit, equalizing through a goal by Chen at the 34:36 mark, assisted by Herbig. Despite being reduced to ten players following a red card to Ramos in the 19th minute, Tacoma maintained pressure with seven shots and four corner kicks. Centralia initially took the lead with a penalty kick by Hernand in the 20th minute, but Tacoma's resilience saw the half end tied at 1-1.

Tacoma seized control of the second half with a penalty kick goal by Fedina in the 49th minute, extending their lead to 2-1. Duffek followed up with an unassisted goal at 52:52, giving the Titans a 3-1 advantage. Despite consistent offensive pressure, including multiple saves by Centralia's Noel Montenegro Coro, Centralia pulled within one goal when Silva Gutierre scored in the 83rd minute. Tacoma maintained their lead amidst a flurry of fouls, ending the period up 3-2.

Duffek scored one goal with three of his five shots on target, including the game-winning goal. Adams contributed with an assist and registered one shot on goal. Overby led Tacoma with four shots, two of which were on goal. Chen added a goal, converting both of his shots on target.

Hernand led Centralia with a goal from six shots, including three on goal, and successfully converted a penalty shot. Silva Gutierre contributed a goal from his two shots on target. Montenegro Coro was crucial in goal, making nine saves, including six in the second half. Marco Landeros provided the team's only assist in the match.

The next challenge for the Titans sees them at home in Tacoma to face South Puget Sound on Saturday, October 4. The match is set to begin at 12 p.m.

Go Titans!