Women's soccer team battles back for tie at Santa Ana

Courtesy of On My Game Photography
Courtesy of On My Game Photography

Irvine Valley's women's soccer team fell behind by two goals, but came back to earn a 3-3 tie in an Orange Empire Conference match at Santa Ana on Tuesday afternoon.

 Santa Ana got a goal in the seventh minute from Alejandra Peinado and then took a 2-0 lead into halftime on a goal by Lizbeth Gonzalez in the 42nd minute.

But just one minute into the second half, Irvine Valley got on the board. Sophomore midfielder Samantha Mendoza scored in the 46th minute and then eight minutes later sophomore defender Rosa Soto-Aleman found the back of the net to tie the score at 2-2.

Santa Ana moved back in front with a goal by Kacee Thoren in the 60th minute.

Irvine Valley earned the tie with a goal by sophomore forward Alexandra Benedict off an assist from Soto-Aleman.

The Lasers ended up out-shooting Santa Ana, 16-8, in the contest. Eleven of IVC's shots were on goal.

Sophomore midfielder Vanessa Gonzalez led IVC with four shots.

Benedict's goal was her team-leading 13th of the season. Soto-Aleman scored her fifth goal and recorded her second assist. Mendoza's goal was her first of the season.

The tie snapped a four-game losing skid for IVC. Irvine Valley improved its record to 6-8-5 overall and 4-7-3 in conference.

Irvine Valley has a bye on Friday and plays again next Tuesday, hosting Golden West at 3 p.m.