Dons Overcome Early Deficit to Force 3-3 Tie with Golden West College
The Dons had to make two comebacks to escape their match with Golden West College with a 3-3 tie. Leonardo Contreras played a part in all three goals for the Dons.
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
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3 | 0 | 3 |
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2 | 1 | 3 |
Team Stats
Golden West
| Game Statistics | Golden West | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 14 (6) | 10 (8) |
| Saves | 5 | 3 |
| Fouls | 23 | 18 |
| Corner Kicks | 5 | 8 |
| Offsides | 5 | 1 |
SANTA ANA - After allowing two early goals on defensive miscues, the Dons had to make a comeback just to tie visiting Golden West College in an Orange Empire Conference match. The first-place Dons (10-3-1, 5-1-1) stayed atop the standings following their first tie of the season while Golden West moved to 6-6-2 on the season and 3-2-2 in conference.
The Rustlers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in first six minutes with both goals coming on defensive turnovers by the Dons. The first goal was scored in the third minute when Jaime Rios controlled the ball after the Dons failed to clear the zone and took a quick shot from the top of the box. Just three minutes later, Justin Funes was able to intercept a Dons pass before passing to Alvin Ballesteros who took a shot and scored.
The Dons chipped away at the lead with Leonardo Contreras sending a pass from the end line, across the front of the goal, to Christian Hernandez who kicked the ball into the empty net for a goal in the 10th minute. Then, in the 23rd minute, Contreras set up Luis Venegas who scored to make the game 2-2.
But Golden West would reclaim the lead before halftime when Funes scored on a Ruben Orellana corner kick in the 43rd minute.
The Dons would fight back to tie the match once again with Contreras on the scoring end this time. With the ball was loose at the top of the box following a corner kick, Edwin Navarrete flipped the ball over the defense towards the goal. Contreras then beat the goalkeeper to the ball, scoring the equalizing goal in the 51st minute.
Luis Trujillo played the entire game in goal for the Dons, allowing all three goals while making three saves in 90 minutes. Golden West's David Elias also played 90 minutes, allowing three goals and making five saves.
