Men's soccer team has its chances, but falls at Santa Ana

Irvine Valley's men's soccer team scored first, but couldn't find the back of the net again and fell, 2-1, in an Orange Empire Conference match at Santa Ana on Tuesday.

IVC got a goal in the ninth minute from freshman standout striker Max Kleinhammes, but saw the Dons score in the 38th and 57th minutes on their way to the win.

Irvine Valley's record went to 5-5-5 overall and 1-3-1 in conference play. Santa Ana improved to 7-4-1 overall and 1-2-1 in conference.

It was IVC's fifth one-goal loss of the year.

Kleinhammes scored his team and conference-leading ninth goal of the season on a header off a corner kick from freshman midfielder Juan Gomez to put the Lasers in front early.

But Santa Ana answered with a goal by Kevin Ruiz off an assist from Felipe Sanchez III later in the first half.

Bryan Oseguera scored the game-winning goal in the 57th minute off a pass from Abel Bautista.

Irvine Valley out-shot Santa Ana, 17-11, in the contest and hit the crossbar several times. And the Lasers had 10 corner kicks to two for Santa Ana in the contest.

Kleinhammes and freshman midfielder Dowan Kim each had two shots on goal for IVC and sophomore forward Benjamin Asabi had six shots, including two good chances.

Laser sophomore keeper Nathan King finished with three saves in the match.

Irvine Valley has a bye on Friday from conference action. The Lasers play again next Tuesday at home against Cypress at 3 p.m.