COD (12-5-3; 6-2) collected a much-needed win ahead of their impending run to the CCCAA SoCal Regional playoffs, as the #17 team in the state defeated the pesky Norco Mustangs (7-8-4; 3-3-2), 2-1.

Today marked the last regular season home game for the Roadrunners and all of the Sophomore players were honored prior to the game. Some players had parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and even coaches escort them onto the field in the positive ceremony.

Desert would get things started in the 26th minute as sophomore midfielder Ramon Felix (Thermal Coachella Valley) fed a through ball from the left side to sophomore forward Leyver Guzman (Cathedral City H.S.) who poked it behind the Mustangs keeper to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

Desert first faced off with the Mustangs in 2012 and has a 5-3-1 record against Norco, including a 4-0 record in Palm Desert.

Both teams would go into halftime with Desert maintaining the 1-0 advantage. Norco would equalize in the 63rd minute, tying the game at 1-1.

In injury time, freshman forward Leo Jimenez (Rancho Mirage H.S.) lifted a pass to sophomore midfielder Emmanuel Munoz (La Quinta H.S.) for a back post header, which snuck past the outstretched hands of the Mustangs keeper to give Desert a 2-1 win.

Freshman goal keeper Sebastian Ascencio (La Quinta H.S.) faced 15 total shots, seven on goal, making six saves.

Desert will have to wait until after the seeding meeting on November 16th to see who they play and where they may travel in the CCCAA SoCal Regional playoffs.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Michael Leone Photography (f8leone@yahoo.com).