Fresno City College men’s soccer team opened this season with a 3-3 tie against Lassen Community College.

Eligio Morales marked his return to the team with a goal. Jordan Gonzales and Adrian Plascencia were the other scorers in the opening game.

After spending the entire 2011 season on the sidelines due to a knee injury, Morales is happy to be returning to the field.

“It feels good,” he said. “That was my first time experiencing being hurt that bad.” While content with his aforementioned goal, Morales believes his game can improve.

“I’m not a hundred percent, I think I could play a little bit better once I get to a hundred percent,” he said.

After the draw the Rams went on to play three games in the Hartnell College Tournament. They won the first game 4-2 against Allan Hancock College.

Morales grabbed a brace while Victor Rodriguez and Javier Nava both opened their season’s accounts. The other two tournament games resulted in defeats. They lost 0-5 to Cerritos College and 0-2 to Lassen College.

The Rams gained victory in their first home game of the season with a 3-0 win against Evergreen Valley College on Sept. 4. Goals came from Jordan Gonzales, Myric McGhee and Plascencia.

Three days later the Rams enjoyed a 6-1 victory at Contra Costa College.

The game’s goal scorers were Morales with a hat trick, Oswel Mariles with a brace and Juan Madrigal.

Mariles, Nava, McGhee along with Octavio Murillo all scored goals in the 4-0 victory over Canada College on Sept. 11.

During the game Morales incurred a back injury and was withdrawn as a precaution. “I get the ball and I’m pushing forward, I pass it to my other forward, he puts a pass through for me, I stand on my right foot and my back pops,” he said.

“I tried shooting because I was one on one with the goalie, but I barely touched the ball and I just went down. I couldn’t get back up.”

Morales intends on returning soon. “I want to try and play the best that I can and try and score at least 20 goals,” he said.

Head Coach Eric Solberg is also eager for Morales return to the field. “Eligio is one of our offensive leaders,” he said.

The men’s team ended last week with a 4-1 defeat at West Valley College, Mariles netted the consolation goal. The next game will be Sept. 28 in Visalia against The College of the Sequoias.