The Irvine Valley men's soccer team didn't play its best match of the season Friday at Orange Coast, but the Lasers did enough to get a positive result and stay in the hunt for an Orange Empire Conference title.
The Lasers tied Orange Coast, 0-0, on the road and moved into first place in the conference standings - one point ahead of Golden West.
The Lasers made the jump because Golden West had a bye in the schedule on Friday.
IVC has a huge contest next week, hosting third-place Santa Ana on Tuesday. The Lasers will then have their bye on Friday and play at Golden West the following Tuesday.
Irvine Valley's record went to 13-4-1 overall and 8-2-1 in conference, while Orange Coast moved to 5-6-5 overall and 3-4-4 in conference.
The biggest opportunity for Coast came in the 79th minute when a nicely-place cross-pass found its way to sophomore Michael Hunter-Wofford, but the midfielder sent his re-direct just over the crossbar of the wide-open net.
The Lasers came right back and had an anxious moment in front of the Coast goal, but OCC goalkeeper Osiel Porcayo (five saves) came up big and held his ground, keeping the ball out of is goal.
IVC freshman goalie Blake Sigler also made the big save when he had to and finished with seven stops.
