MEN'S SOCCER CLOSES OUT WITH SCORELESS TIE

SANTA MARIA-- The Allan Hancock College men's soccer team played visiting Moorpark to a scoreless tie in its final contest of the 2005 season Monday.

Hancock (9-8-7; 7-5-2 WSC) left the field holding out hope for post-season invitation. Depending upon the outcome of other conference matches, the 12th-ranked Bulldogs could possibly earn an at-large berth in the So Cal Regional Tournament, for which the field will be announced on Wednesday.

The tie could eaisly have been a loss for AHC. Moorpark lined up for a free-kick in the 87th minute after a Bulldog foul on a Raider rush inside the 10-yard zone. But freshman goalkeeper Jose Perez saved the day, making a sensational diving block of Moorpark's attempt from near point-blank range. The Raiders had a second shot on the rebound, but the ball carromed off the top pipe of the goal mouth.

Hancock's best opportunity to score came in the 75th minute, when freshman Edgar Miranda wheeled to beat the Raider fullback deep in the zone before firing the ball directly into the arms of the Moorpark keeper. Hancock head coach Al Garcia also praised the play of Bulldog sophomores Jesus Garcia, Tim Brocklehurst and Victor Velasco.

For Perez, the game marked his eighth shutout of the season. The Bulldogs played well in the season's stretch run, losing just once in their final seven games.