With goals from Barojas and Souza, the Los Angeles team secured a 2–0 victory over Compton College and looks to finish the season strong before the tournament. COMPTON, California — The East Los Angeles College (ELAC) men’s soccer team earned its first league win this afternoon, defeating Compton College 2–0 on the road, thanks to goals from second-year forward Andrew Barojas and first-year midfielder Lucas Souza. Barojas opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing off a precise assist from Xavier Villa to give the Huskies an early lead. ELAC controlled possession for much of the first half, outshooting Compton 10–8 before halftime. In the second half, Souza extended the lead in the 61st minute with a powerful unassisted strike to make it 2–0. The Huskies’ defense, led by goalkeeper Benjamín Puente, held strong — Puente recorded five saves to secure his second clean sheet of the season. Souza and Barojas spearheaded ELAC’s attack, which totaled 20 shots, combining for five on target. Villa, who recorded his first assist of the year, commanded a creative midfield that constantly pressured Compton’s defensive line. The victory leaves East Los Angeles with a 1–6 league record (5–8–5 overall), while Compton (0–6–1, 3–11–1) falls again despite six saves from their goalkeeper Alessandro Martínez. Husky Stats• Souza leads the team in goals (four) and points (eight).• Villa’s goal was his second of the season. Looking AheadWith two matches remaining before the start of the South Coast Conference tournament, the Huskies face a tough challenge: their upcoming opponents have positive records. The first will be El Camino College, whom ELAC will host this Friday (Halloween) in the final home game of the regular season.

For the first time, a goalkeeper born in Arica packed his bags to pursue the American dream. Benjamín Puente was recruited by the Los Angeles Huskies and is eagerly counting the hours until his debut in U.S. soccer. Puente’s signing in the United States is entirely due to his exceptional skills for the position and the experience he gained in 2024 as a player for San Marcos de Arica, which earned him a call-up to the Chile U-20 National Team.“He is a goalkeeper with leadership, a strong personality, and intelligence. I am confident he will perform at a high level as a student-athlete,” said East Los Angeles College (ELAC) coach William Da Silva.“We had been looking for a goalkeeper with Benja’s qualities since last November. In Los Angeles, I recruited and couldn’t find a keeper with his height and skills,” Da Silva added. ELAC’s talent scout admitted that when they saw the former San Marcos de Arica goalkeeper in action, “we fell in love immediately, contacted his agent, and brought him here as fast as possible.” Benjamín Puente has already passed all physical tests and is ready to debut in the Huskies jersey. He carries the responsibility of defending the colors of a team with 11 championship titles in its history. To understand the passion the Los Angeles Huskies inspire, it is worth noting that their fans fill a stadium with a capacity of 22,355 spectators. At Weingart Stadium, the story will begin of the first goalkeeper from Arica determined to take his city’s name to the highest level.

Press Release — English Version East Los Angeles College goalkeeper Benjamín Puente has secured his place among the premier shot-stoppers in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) following an outstanding 2025 regular season. Puente appeared in 11 matches, starting 10, and recorded an impressive 48 saves, placing him among the top three goalkeepers in total saves across the conference. With a 71.6% save percentage and 1.72 goals-against average (GAA), the Chilean-born keeper proved to be a crucial factor in ELAC’s competitiveness, often facing high-pressure offensive situations and responding with consistency, discipline, and leadership in the defensive line. Beyond the numbers, Puente’s command of the box, reflex ability, and mental toughness drew praise from the Huskies’ technical staff. “Benjamín has demonstrated remarkable maturity and resilience. He consistently shows up in big moments and plays with a competitive edge that elevates our defensive unit. His development this season has been exceptional,” ELAC coaching staff noted. With his standout performance, Puente becomes one of the most promising international goalkeepers in the CCCAA circuit and positions himself for higher competition and academic progression within collegiate soccer in the United States.

– Diario La Estrella de Arica (August 31, 2025) For the first time, a goalkeeper from Arica embarks on the journey to fulfill the American dream.Benjamín Puente was recruited by the Los Angeles Huskies and is already counting the hours until his much-anticipated debut in U.S. soccer. Puente’s signing in the United States reflects his remarkable abilities between the posts and the experience he gained in 2024 when, while wearing the San Marcos de Arica jersey, he was called up to the Chile U-20 National Team. Exportable TalentBenjamín Puente successfully passed all physical tests and is ready to debut for the Huskies. He will carry the responsibility of guarding the goal for a team with 11 titles in its history. “He is a goalkeeper with leadership, strong personality, and intelligence. I’m confident he will perform at a high level as a student-athlete,” said Coach William Da Silva of East Los Angeles College (ELAC).“We had been looking for a goalkeeper with Benja’s qualities since last November. In Los Angeles, I did a recruitment and didn’t find a keeper with his height and skills,” Da Silva added. Furthermore, ELAC’s talent scout admitted that when he saw the former San Marcos de Arica goalkeeper in action: “We fell in love immediately, contacted his agent, and brought him here as fast as possible.” Los Angeles HuskiesTo understand the passion the Los Angeles Huskies generate, it is enough to note that their fans fill a stadium with a capacity of 22,355 spectators. At Weingart Stadium, the story of the first goalkeeper from Arica determined to elevate his city’s name to the top will begin.