Dons ready for title defense

   At the Dons home opener against Rio Hondo, about 20 men's soccer alumni cheered their former team with hopes of witnessing another winning season, much like the ones of which they were a part of.
   The Dons have one goal, and that is to continue making history as they seek their 16th consecutive Orange Empire Conference championship.
   With eight returners from last season, the Dons are deep, experienced and the clear favorite to repeat as OEC champs and contend for a state title.
   "I don't feel the pressure at all, we have a really strong team and we can win it all," says Don Defender Joel Perez. "We expect to win, and our goal as a team is to win a national title."
   Among the eight returners is sophomore Daniel Ruiz who led the Dons with nine goals and nine assists and is being counted on to improve those numbers this season.
   "Ruiz is one of the key players on this squad," Head Coach Jose Vasquez said.
   Expected to make an impact on defense with Perez is defender Henry Escalante and goalkeeper Adrian Garcia.
   Controlling the core and leading an aggressive offensive attack is midfielder Richard Rivera and midfielder Armando Rocha.
   Vasquez, now in his sixth year, is four wins shy of 100 for his career and is aware of his team's winning potential.
   "We're always contending for the state championship, but we have to win the OEC first, and this year is not going to be easy, there are a lot of tough teams," Vasquez said.