The men and women’s soccer teams were ranked No. 14 and No. 6, respectively in the country by the National Soccer Coaches Associations of America.

“It feels great to be in the top 10 programs, but our goal is to be No. 1 in the nation,” women’s soccer team Head Coach Ruben Gonzalez said.

The Falcons’ 2010 season was cut short in the third round of the California State playoffs against Santa Rosa College in a 1-0 defeat.

 Though their championship run ended early, the women had  success  last season, winning the South Coast Conference title for the fifth year in a row.

“The athletes that come to Cerritos College are expected to be successful; that is why they (the athletes) come to our program,” Gonzalez said.

“It is a great accomplishment [for the team], so I’m happy for the young ladies,” Gonzalez said after being ranked the highest since their 2008 State Championship.

The men’s soccer team was recognized on the list for the fifth year in a row, dropping to 14th in the nation after a less successful school year.

The third seed of the Southern California Regional Playoffs  sought out to capture its third straight California State Championship, however, it was stopped short in a third round loss, 2-1, against College of the Canyons.

“Being third in Southern California and 14th nationally obviously gives us recognition, but overall [the drop in ranking] is a bit disappointing,” head coach Benny Artiaga said.