Bobcats play even with the Lasers

The Saddleback men's soccer team ran its unbeaten string to five games on Tuesday with a 1-1 tie against Irvine Valley College inside the stadium.  The Bobcats are three games above .500 with one game remaining during the regular season.

Saddleback had a big hill to climb on Tuesday, playing an Irvine Valley squad with one of the better records in the southern half of the state and a Laser team that beat the Bobcats soundly the first time they played them this season.  The Bobcats made significant strides, playing the Lasers even the second time around.

Saddleback took a 1-0 lead in the 31^st minute after Joel Smith was taken down inside the box and the Bobcats were awarded a penalty kick.  Andrew Jun made it count, beating the IVC keeper low and left for a 1-0 lead.

Irvine Valley trailed at the half and came out of the locker room looking for revenge.  The Lasers put a lot of pressure on the Saddleback defense, but had a hard time breaking through.  Irvine Valley finally got the equalizer in the 84^th minute when Grant Miller connected for his 15^th goal of the season to even the score. 

Saddleback had a pair of chances late, including a header from Gavin Radzai that caromed off the crossbar in the final minute.  The two teams settled for a 1-1 tie.

Saddleback is now 8-5-5 overall and 5-4-4 in Orange Empire Conference play.  The Bobcats are alone in fourth place in conference play, one half game back of Cypress College.  Saddleback finishes the regular season on Thursday at Santiago Canyon College.  The kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM in Orange.