Dos Pueblos’ boys soccer team opened up Channel League play on Thursday night coming off a 3-1 loss at Carpinteria in their final preseason game.
“We had a very poor start on Tuesday and it was something we were stressing,” said Chargers head coach Tovi Eliasen.
That’s why the coach was ok with a 2-2 draw at Ventura in which DP gave up two leads as the Chargers jumped on the Cougars from the opening whistle.
Dos Pueblos’ Johnny Cruz in hot pursuit of a Ventura player in its 2-2 tie on Thursday night. (Tom Modugno Photo)
Eduardo Cortez scored in the fourth minute, expertly curling a free kick from 20-yards over the defensive wall and into the net from the left side.
“So, couldn’t have asked for a better start,” Eliasen continued. “It was a great goal for us.”
The same can’t be said of the Cougars’ two goals, which both came off of unpredictable bounces from long throw-ins.
Ventura drew even at 1-1 just before halftime before Cortez helped the Chargers regain the lead in the 55th minute.
Danny Rowell found a streaking Cortez down the sideline. Without breaking stride, Cortez sent a cross to the far-post that Rodrigo Perez was able to track down and head into the goal.
“It was one of the best crosses I’ve ever seen,” Eliasen said.
Dos Pueblos was minutes away from taking home the Channel League win but an own goal off one of those long throws in the 74th minute salvaged a point for Ventura.
“I think we deserved the three points,” said Eliasen, whose Chargers (6-4-5) host the undefeated Dons on Tuesday in their league home opener. “We’re looking to give them the best possible game we can.”
Key to the Chargers success against the Cougars and against Santa Barbara is defender Branden Tangel and keeper Eric Katz. Eliasen liked Tangel’s defensive presence on the back line Thursday and Katz thwarted several on-target attempts from Ventura.
