The men’s soccer team’s (4-9-6) playoff chances are a thing of the past, but its pride helped them steal a hard-fought win against rival, Los Angeles Harbor College (5-11-3).

Freshman forward Marcos Ambriz scored the lone goal of the game at the 55-minute mark to give the Warriors a 1-0 win over the Seahawks.

Both teams started out strong defensively, only allowing a combined three shots on goal in the first half of regulation.

LAHC displayed great ball movement to keep possession for most of the first half, but was unable to land anything in the back of the net.

On the other side of the pitch the Warriors struggled to get started offensively and only attempted one shot in the first half.

Despite the rough start, the Warriors were able to contain the Seahawks in a scoreless game at halftime.

“I did think that we lost the first half,” freshman midfielder Andy Marin said. “We were letting them dominate us (offensively).”

Warriors coach John Britton said his team exhibited a new game plan coming out for the second half.

“We changed the system at halftime,” Britton said. “We (played) much better. We were much more composed in the second half.”

The new plan seemed to work early in the half as Warriors freshman midfielder Alejandro Lopez set up Ambriz for a shot from 30 yards out that soared over the Seahawk’s defense to land in the top shelf of the net for the only goal of the match.

The goal gave the Warriors the momentum they needed to take over the game and run away with the win.

“In the second half we stepped it up,” Marin said. “We won every single ball in the air and every second chance. I think we outplayed them and won the second half.”

Even though the playoffs are out of the picture, sophomore Ryan Zein says that it was still an important win for the team.

“We’re at home so I think that motivated us,” Zein said. “We have two more games and we’re playing for pride right now. I feel everyone worked hard and that’s the most important thing.”

Warriors assistant coach Ever Morotoya says that the team has improved from the beginning of the season and that their performance this game was much more important than the win.

“We haven’t had a great season,” Morotoya said. “They didn’t give up and they didn’t quit. I was happier with their performance than (earning) the win.”

The Warriors (4-9-6) will travel to Cerritos College (5-10-3) for their next match on Tuesday, then they will conclude their season at home against Mt. SAC (12-4-3) on Friday, Nov. 13.