Final Loss Can't Dim Panthers' 2021 Success

The Hartnell Men’s Soccer team fell just shy in its bid for a second state championship on Dec. 5, losing to host team Mt. San Antonio, 2-1, in stoppage time, but that final defeat could not wipe out the achievements of a 20-2-3 season.

The Panthers came away with second place in the state after first beating El Camino, 4-1, in the semi-final on Dec. 3. They also had the thrill of cheering on the Hartnell women’s team, which won the state championship.

The men’s team ended the year ranked No. 3 in the nation by United Soccer Coaches for Junior College Division III. Sophomore midfielder Isaac Lomeli from Seaside was named a First Team All-American in that division, and freshman forward Anthony Rangel of King City was a Second Team All-American. Lomeli had 16 assists and seven goals throughout the season, and Rangel had 16 goals and five assists.

Sophomore midfielder Ramiro Vazquez was named to the All-State team, as was Rangel.

Head Coach Daniel Ortega and his three assistants – Frank Alvarado and Carlos Volpini – were named Coaching Staff of the Year for the United Soccer Coaches’ Northwest Region, and Ortega also was chosen as Head Coach of the Year for the California Community College Athletic Association.

At season’s end, the Panther men stood atop the CCCAA soccer standings, with an unmatched conference winning percentage of .8333 and 25 games played, more than any other team.

Like the Hartnell women, the men’s team was cheered during an all-campus rally on Dec. 9, thanked by the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board on Dec. 14 and recognized with a certificate of achievement from State Sen. Anna Caballero on Dec. 20.

Acknowledging the Governing Board’s recognition, Coach Ortega recalled the challenges of a “crazy kind” of year, one challenged by COVID-19 restrictions that kept them away from practices throughout 2020.

“We put in the work, we stayed together, we went into our pods [small practice groups],” he recalled, “and the way we finished was absolutely incredible. I feel so blessed to be part of this group.”