College Roundup: MJC men post stirring playoff soccer victory

Kolby Murphy's long-distance throw-in set up the play. David Mulgado's header finished it.

Modesto Junior College's dramatic goal with only three minutes left gave the Pirates a 1-0 win over Yuba (12-6-2), thrilling a crowd of about 100 Saturday afternoon in the first round of the Northern California Playoffs at MJC West.

Murphy's throw-in carried about 60 yards to Mulgado, who one-hopped his header to the left of the diving goalkeeper Moises Oceguerda and into the net from about 12 yards.

"The goalkeeper made four phenomenal saves during the game. Mulgado just put one in the perfect place," MJC coach Joe Michelena said.

Edgar Garcia registered six saves but got help from defenders Arnaldo Gutierrez, Danny Ramos, Scott Ingram and Murphy.

Modesto (11-4-6), seeded fourth, will welcome fifth-seeded Santa Rosa to MJC West for a second-round game Tuesday at 2 p.m.

MJC WOMEN'S SOCCER -- Sierra, comfortable in windy conditions at home, took the wind advantage and scored during the first half for a 1-0 win that finished the Pirates' season in the first round of the NorCal playoffs. Krista Messer had six saves for Modesto (12-7-3).

MJC MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY -- Ronnie Bruce completed the 4-mile course in 21:07 to finish 39th -- ninth among Northern California entries -- at the State Championships at Fresno's Woodward Park. Anthony Mallory, who was 13th at the NorCals two weeks ago, missed the race due to a thigh bruise. The Pirates placed 24th.

In the women's race, Shannon Peters finished 36th in a personal best 19:31 over 5 kilometers to pace the Pirates. Peters, a freshman from Oakdale, placed fifth among NorCal runners after finishing ninth at the NorCals. MJC came in 22nd.

MJC MEN'S BASKETBALL -- Brandon Curtis totaled 20 points for the second straight day during the Pirates' 74-60 win over tournament host Shasta. Curtis, 10 for 14 from the 3-point arc the last two games, leads Modesto into the consolation finals today at noon against Yuba. The Pirates (4-2) blew a 10-point lead in the final five minutes and fell to Foothill 62-57 in the first round.

COLUMBIA BASKETBALL -- The Claim Jumpers (2-3) were beaten by Cosumnes River 84-79 in their home opener despite a rally from a 15-point deficit.