Glendora, CA (Men’s Soccer) -- Citrus College sophomore Oscar Diaz scored Citrus’ lone goal in the 86th minute, as he helped guide the Fighting Owls to a 1-1 tie in their season opener against San Diego Mesa on Tuesday evening. Diaz’s goal was a looping shot over the goal keeper’s head that kept Citrus unblemished in the first contest of the year.
The two teams would play evenly over the first 45 minutes. San Diego Mesa took six shots in the opening frame, while Citrus took five as neither team found the back of the net in the first half. Both teams stayed aggressive in the opening minutes of the second half with Citrus mostly dominating the ball. A misplay by the Fighting Owls last line of defense in the 55th minute though, would lead to a Mesa goal by Adam Zeman off a Gilbert Uriarte assist.
Mesa would outshoot Citrus in the second half by a margin of 6-2, but Citrus did have some opportunities. Twice the Fighting Owls had a forward in the box with only the goalie to beat, but both times, they came up empty handed with neither of the players able to get a good shot off. In the end though, Diaz would make good on their final chance, in a goal that proved to be the equalizer.
The Fighting Owls will continue their 2010 schedule this weekend with a road trip South to San Diego. Citrus will take on Southwester on Friday at 4:00 PM and then turn around and take on Cuyamaca on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
Box Score