Box Score SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — When senior Rafael Garcia was subbing back into the game with 17 minutes to go on Thursday at Forest Meadows Field, his coach Jon Delano, Dominican University of California's Director of Soccer, sent him a request.

“I want instant impact from you,” said Delano.

Three minutes later, Garcia blasted a shot into the teeth of the opposing Chaminade Univeristy defense, followed the rebound, then aimed a perfect through pass to teammate David Mendez who scored the game-winning goal in the Penguins' 1-0 victory, their first of the season.

“Ask and you shall receive,” said Delano afterward, grinning. “We had confidence to put Raffy back in because I thought he was exceptional in the first half. He created a couple of opportunities for us and he earned those minutes into the second half.”

Garcia, the only senior who suited up for Dominican (1-7-0, 1-3-1) on Thursday, and Mendez, the Penguins' sophomore co-captain, combined to produce a much-needed finish for a young Penguins team that has struggled at the start of this season. Their leadership was critical for Dominican, which started nine freshmen in the second half, including goalkeeper Erik Anderson.

Delano understood the significance of Mendez's goal.

“It's our captain and you want the captain to lead you,” said Delano. “Especially as offensively dangerous as he can be. It was a very good moment, a very good opportunity for him to score a goal.”

“I just ran in behind the defense and Raffy sent it through but I didn't think it was going to go through," said Mendez. "It just came to my feet and I just slotted it in.”

Mendez had a couple of scoring opportunities in the game, as did freshmen Kolby Mitnick, Nuri Bon-Acosta, and Mfonabasi Ikpe. Yet his goal, his first since Sept. 7, could be the breakthrough goal the Penguins need to turn around their season.

“It's been a rough year for me scoring-wise but I think I'm helping the team in other things besides scoring. But it felt really good to finally get one in the back of the net,” said Mendez. “This win is very special and it's really the beginning of our (conference) season.”

The Pacific West Conference victory for the Penguins over the Silverswords (0-8-1/0-4-0) also was the first for Anderson, who was supported by a defensive back line of sophomore Sam Vella and freshmen Fabian Valdez, Evan Myers, and Cory Vanderpool plus freshmen midfielders Manny Sandoval-Gutierrez, Dale Howard, and Carl Fitzgerald.

“I think collectively and probably defensively it was our best performance so far,” said Delano. “I thought Erik stepped in and played very well in goal.”

The Penguins' next game is Monday, Oct. 3 against California Maritime Academy. The non-conference contest starts at 4:00 p.m. at Forest Meadows Field.