Men's soccer team can't get going in match at Santa Ana

Courtesy of Elizabeth Elder
Courtesy of Elizabeth Elder

Irvine Valley's men's soccer team couldn't keep its win streak going in the Orange Empire Conference.

The Lasers fell at Santa Ana, 2-0, on Friday in a battle between two of the top-ranked teams in the state.

Irvine Valley went into the match ranked No. 8, while Santa Ana was No. 10.

It was Irvine Valley's first loss in conference in 18 matches. The Lasers' last defeat in the OEC was Nov. 14, 2014. That loss also came at Santa Ana in the final match of the 2014 season.

The Lasers went 11-0-3 in conference and captured the title a year ago.

Oscar Navarro scored in the seventh minute to put Santa Ana in front, 1-0. The assist came from Matheus Cuhna.

In the second half, Navarro found the back of the net again to seal the game for the Dons.

Sergio Candelas had his fifth shutout of the season for Santa Ana.

Irvine Valley freshman keeper Blake Sigler finished with one save for Irvine Valley.

The Lasers' record fell to 8-3-0 overall and 4-1-0 in conference, while Santa Ana improved to 6-1-4 overall and 2-1-2 in conference.

Irvine Valley slipped into a tie with Fullerton for first place in the conference standings.

The Lasers play again on Tuesday. They have a bye in Orange Empire Conference action, but will host Glendale at 3 p.m.