Late Score Squanders Hawks Hopes Leading to Draw

Three minutes of extra time proved to be the difference in Friday morning's contest as the Santiago Canyon College Hawks played host to Imperial Valley College in non-conference action. The Hawks struck first and held a 1-0 lead after the opening half, but Imperial Valley was able to wiggle in line with the Hawks and work a 2-2 draw.

It was slow from the get-go as both teams struggled to find a rhythm. That all changed in the 29^th minute after sophomore Miguel Segovia lofted a ball into the box that found freshman Andrew Marentes' forceful strike for the opening goal.

The defensive prowess lead by sophomore Trent Cleboski alongside freshman Rickey Walker and sophomore Rene Coello halted Imperial Valley to a pair of shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes of play. Freshman goalkeeper Juan Pablo Alvarez handled both shots with ease to bring a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

However, Imperial Valley stuck early in the 50^th minute on an impressive link in the box and a header past the outstretch Alvarez to knot the score at one all.

The lead lasted another 18 minutes until freshman Ivan Pena corralled a loose ball off a free kick from Marentes. Pena gathered and headed the ball into the back of the net to hand the Hawks another lead, this time at 2-1.

Imperial Valley was able to fire off seven shots in the second half and the final strike, which came in a generous allotment of extra time, found the back of the net and the final whistle followed shortly after resulting in a 2-2 draw.

The Hawks uncorked an impressive 23 shots to Imperial Valley's nine attempts. They also only had 11 fouls to IVC's 15. SCC dominated possession en route to 11 corner kicks as well.

Alvarez (2-3-1) finished with five saves in route to the defeat. Freshman Hudson Dare led with seven shots; three landing on frame.

Marentes and Pena netted a goal each, while Segovia had the lone assist for the Hawks. Freshman Nick Asam was held scoreless despite four attempts, while freshman Jorge Garcia Cruz and Pena each fired off four shots.