Cats settle for 3-3 tie

The Saddleback men's soccer team finished in a 3-3 tie with Santa Ana College on Friday in Santa Ana. The Bobcats now have a three-game unbeaten streak.

Saddleback started slowly, falling behind when Santa Ana was awarded a penalty kick for a tackle inside the box and made good on the attempt from Orlando Virgen in the 11^th minute.

Saddleback then played some of its best soccer of the season over the next 65 minutes, controlling play and taking a two-goal lead.

Saddleback tied the game in the 20^th minute when Jefreyn Contreras rattled one home off a pass from Jason Starcks to tie the game at 1-1.

The teams were even on the scoreboard until the second half when Saddleback took the play to the Dons.  The Bobcats scored two goals in a matter of eight minutes in taking a 3-1 lead.  Starcks took a pass from Kevin Castaneda and scored his third goal of the season to give Saddleback the lead.  Eight minutes later, Alexander Fafilek scored off a beautiful feed from Gus Roetcisoender and scored his second goal of the season in the 66^th minute for a 3-1 lead.

Saddleback had an opportunity to win a third straight game but couldn't manage to hold on to the lead.  The Dons scored two late goals less than four minutes apart to tie the game in the 82^nd minute as the two squads ended in a 3-3 tie.

Saddleback is now 3-7-2 overall and 2-3-1 in Orange Empire Conference play following the tie.  The Bobcats will play at Santiago Canyon College on Tuesday at 3:00 PM.