The Irvine Valley men's soccer team came back from a late deficit for the second time this week to earn another draw in an Orange Empire Confernence match and stay in the mix in the OEC standings and a CCCAA playoff spot.
The Lasers, who scored in the 88th minute on a penalty kick to tie Santiago Canyon, at home at the OC Great Park on Tuesday, found a goal in the 89th minute on Friday at Golden West to earn a 2-2 tie with the Rusters, who were ranked No. 5 in the state.
Sophomore midfielder Victor Onofre scored off a flick pass from freshman defender Diego Llargo after a long throw in to even in the score with time running out.
Irvine Valley gave up the first goal early in the second half, but tied the contest in the 63rd minute when sophomore defender and captain Garrett Hayes found freshman midfielder Julian Sboboda for his first goal of the season.
Golden West added a goal in the 75th minute to go back on top, but the Lasers kept pushing forward and Onofre tied things up.
Freshman goalie Isaac Hernandez finished with two saves for IVC.
"I thought the team worked really hard, played really hard," Irvine Valley coach Martin McGrogan said. "We gave up a soft goal, but we are still right there in the conference."
Irvine Valley plays again on Tuesday in a big match against Fullerton at the OC Great Park (Field 18). Irvine Valley sits third in the conferenc standings and Fullerton, which is ranked 15th in the state, is in fourth place.
