After a positive result against the top team in the Orange Empire Conference last week, the Irvine Valley men's soccer team looked to be on its way for another solid outcome on Tuesday afternoon against Golden West at home.
Irvine Valley led, 1-0, at the half after a nice goal in the 35th minute by sophomore midfielder Mahyar Shabani.
But Golden West scored two times in the second half and IVC couldn't find the back of the net again in a disappointing 2-1 Orange Empire Conference loss.
The Lasers, who tied Fullerton, 0-0, last Friday at home, saw their record slip to 4-7-3 overall and 2-4-3 in conference. The Lasers currently sit in sixth place in the OEC standings.
Golden West improved to 8-4-2 overall and 6-2-0 in conference play.
Irvine Valley keeper Nathan King made a solid save midway through the first half, diving to knock away a header by Golden West's Juan Vargas and keep the match scoreless.
Several minutes later, Irvine Valley got on the board. Shabani took a pass from freshman midfielder Julian Anaya and scored to give the Lasers the lead.
Golden West had a goal called back early in the second half for offides, but the Rustlers tied the game in the 69th minute when Jesus Vargas scored off an assist from Calos DiazVerduzco.
And the Rustlers took the lead for good in the 75th minute after IVC couldn't clear the ball from its defensive end. Juan Vargas took advantage, taking a pass from Jesus Vargas, and sending the ball into an empty net.
Irvine Valley saw sophomore forward Grant Joyce create a couple of chances in the final minutes, including hitting a volley from a tough angle that went just wide of the goal.
King ended up making four saves for Irvine Valley on the day.
The Lasers play again on Friday at Orange Coast at 3 p.m.
