Men’s Soccer Earns Thrilling Tie v. Santa Ana, 2-2

Every sport has its ultimate moments of excitement, but few can change on a dime the way things happen in the sport of soccer. On Friday, the Pasadena City College men’s soccer team pulled a rabbit out of its hat, rallying for a 2-2, non-conference tie v. state semifinalist Santa Ana at Robinson Stadium.

The Lancers (1-3-1) fell behind 2-1 when Santa Ana’s Victor Bravo knocked in a rebound attempt in the 89th minute. In extra time, PCC got a break when Santa Ana fouled the Lancers inside the goalie box. That led to PCC team captain and defender George Barba receiving a penalty kick and the sophomore delivered with the tying goal.

Santa Ana (2-0-3) took a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game on a Gary Carbajal score off a drop pass by Alexis Supansic. The Lancers then took control the rest of the first half, ripping a flurry of shots (11) at Dons’ goalie Dennis Hernandez. Overall, PCC outshot Santa Ana, 20-8.

Hernandez made several brilliant saves, but in the 74th minute, the Lancers tied it when Barba made a sideline throw-in and reserve defender Jesse Hernandez scored on a perfect header shot (see photo) to tie it at 1-1. PCC’s Hernandez had been inserted into the game for the first time only 13 minutes earlier.

The Lancers pressure over Santa Ana can also be seen in the difference in corner kicks as PCC had nine in the Dons’ end to just one all game by the opponents. Dennis Hernandez finished with 10 saves while PCC goalie David Orellana had six saves.

“We probably deserved to win, but considering how close to losing the match, I think we can be happy with a tie here v. the South’s No. 2 team last year,” said PCC head coach Edgar Manvelyan. “We are doing everything we can to finish plays, but we just are not getting breaks whether it’s a great save or a post. We controlled the pace of the game and pressured them throughout the match.”

PCC plays a rare Monday game on September 22 when it travels to face San Diego Mesa College in a 5 p.m. non-conference game.

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