Men's soccer team earns hard-fought draw against Santa Ana

Men's soccer team earns hard-fought draw against Santa Ana

Irvine Valley had its chances throughout, but had to settle for a 1-1 tie with Santa Ana in an Orange Empire Conference match at home on Friday afternoon.

The Lasers got a goal on a penalty kick from sophomore midfielder Daniel Segal in the second half to earn the draw.

Irvine Valley's record went to 3-5-1 overall and 1-2-1 in conference, while Santa Ana moved to 4-1-2 overall and 0-1-2 in conference.

IVC nearly scored in the opening minutes, but freshman forward Fred Becovic's from close range was saved by Santa Ana keeper Frank Aguilar. IVC sophomore forward Grant Joyce tried to follow the rebound, but that was also knocked away by Aguilar.

Santa Ana took the lead in the 23rd minute. When the Irvine Valley defense couldn't clear a ball, the Dons took advantage. Miguel Gomez found Jesus Nunez, who sent a shot into the upper right-hand corner of the net to give Santa Ana a 1-0 lead.

Segal had an opportunity on a volley late in the half off a pass from Joyce, but Segal's attempt went just wide.

Sophomore defender Michael Davis sent in a lofting pass that Segal got a head on, but it was saved by Aguilar.

Santa Ana followed with one of its better chances. A header by Diego Henriquez was saved brilliantly on a full out dive by IVC freshman keeper Nathan King.
The match went into halftime with the Dons lead, 1-0.

Segal just missed getting a good foot on a pass from Becovic midway through the second half. His shot went wide.

But the Lasers tied the contest in the 68th minute.

Freshman forward Alessandro Cabral  got in behind the Santa Ana defense and had a one-on-one with Aguilar. Aguilar was able to make the first  save, but Cabral followed and was taken down from behind by a Don defender in the box.

Segal stepped to the spot and knocked the penalty kick into the lower left-hand corner to knot the score at 1-1.

One of Irvine Valley's final and best chances came with about 10 minutes to play. Sophomore midfielder Mahyar Shabani rocketed a shot from just outside the box and hit off the right goal post. Shabani followed his shot, but Aguilar was able to knock the ball away.

King ended up making six saves for Irvine Valley and Aguilar recorded nine saves for Santa Ana.

Irvine Valley plays again next Tuesday at Cypress at 3 p.m.