City's Late Comeback Attempt Falls Short

The Knights struck first at home against Chaffey on Tuesday, but the Panthers responded with three straight goals and went on to defeat City, 3-2, despite a strong comback attempt by the Knights. 

Matt Alonso scored his second goal of the season in the 31st minute to put the Knights ahead, 1-0. Alonso was well-positioned to put in a rebound off Suleiman Saney's shot that hit the post.

Chaffey, however, responded with a pair of goals in the 43rd and 44th minute to take a 2-1 lead just before the halftime whistle. 

City's Yahir Rubio had a chance to tie the game in the 60th minute, but his shot was saved by Chaffey goalkeeper Jonathan Valdez. A minute later, Chaffey's Jeremiah Duan scored to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead. 

The Knights kept pressing forward and were awarded a penalty kick in the 63rd minute when Yovanny Contreras was fouled inside the box. Sophomore Juan Balandrano took the kick, but hit the crossbar.

Ten minutes later, Rubio took another shot on goal, but was able to beat the keeper this time for his first goal of the season to get the Knights within a goal. 

Contreras nearly scored the equalizer on a couple of occasions late in the game, but both of his shots were saved by Chaffey's goalkeeper.

The Knights fell to 1-3 on the season with two more matches to play before starting the PCAC season at home against Imperial Valley on September 27 at 3 p.m.