The defending champs are back at it, and they’re getting some competition early on. Peninsula College’s men’s soccer squads earned a 1-0-1 mark in two “friendlies” last week, their first non-scrimmage action of the 2016 season.

On Aug. 27, Peninsula blanked Clark, the South Division champ in 2015, 3-0 on the strength of three first half goals.

Kevin Medina netted an unassisted goal at the 25-minute mark to open the scoring. Juna Carrillo took a pass from Adrian Benitez for a score and 2-0 PC lead 11 minutes later. Alex Ramos added a score just before halftime to complete the scoring.

Sergio Uribe picked up the shutout in goal for Peninsula, making three saves.

On Aug. 28, Peninsula gave up three first half goals before coming back to earn a 3-3 draw against Highline, the West Division champion in 2015.

Down 3-0, Demar Stewart scored Peninsula’s first goal about four minutes into the second half, and Medina set up Alex Ramos for a second score at the 66-minute mark. PC’s Jason Ramos got the equalizer at 71 minutes.

The Pirates are at Spokane on Sept. 5, at Shoreline Sept. 10 and Everett on Sept. 14 before their first home game, a Sept. 17 matchup with Whatcom.