Goal! The 2012 Cerritos College Women’s Soccer team has been voted as the No. 1 ranked community college team in the country by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Previously the Falcons were ranked 4th in the final regular season poll taken.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the NSCAA poll listed Santiago Canyon College No. 1, Miramar College (San Diego) No. 2, College of the Canyons No. 3 and Cerritos College No. 4.

On Nov. 17, the date the previous poll was in effect, the Falcons opened CCCAA play against Santa Barbara College.

Cerritos College went undefeated in the playoffs with victories against SBCC, Cypress College, Ventura College, Sierra College, and Santiago Canyon College.

The previous poll’s 5th ranked team from Broome Community College of New York lost its playoff game on Nov. 8 to Anoka-Ramsey Community College, 2-0 in Dryden, NY.

The Falcons completed the season with a record of 22-2-2, including defeating Santiago Canyon College 2-0 in the California State Community College championship game Dec. 2.

Cerritos College forward Lauren Nanez said,” I just found out two minutes ago.”

“It’s indescribable, an amazing feeling.”

“All that hard work, and now we’re No.1,” said an astonished Nanez.

The season was a culmination of 6 a.m. practices, weekend games, 10 straight road games to begin the season, missed busses, lost uniforms, injuries, auto accidents, and pure determination.

Upon learning of the final vote, all-South Coast Conference forward Jazmin Aguas said, “We actually are number one?”

After realizing the fact, she chimed, “That’s great!”

“Wow, it’s amazing, we’re first in the nation,” Aguas said.

For their efforts, the Cerritos College women’s soccer team was rewarded with conference, state and national accolades.

Ten players were selected to the all-South Coast Conference Team.

Lauren Nanez was named California State Championship Player of the Tournament.

Coach Ruben Gonzalez wasn’t named coach of the year in the South Coast Conference.

That is because in October, Gonzalez was recognized as the overall outstanding head coach of all women’s sports in the South Coast Conference for 2011-2012 season.

The National Championship is Gonzalez’s second at the helm of the women’s soccer team, who also defeated Santiago Canyon College in 2008 to win the national honors.