Moorpark spoiled SBCC’s plans for a WSC men’s soccer victory on Friday night, scoring two goals in the final six minutes and stoppage time to earn a 2-2 tie at La Playa Stadium.
Antoine Felton scored in the 84th minute and Emmanuel Munguia tied it in the 93rd and final minute of stoppage time by heading in a cross from Bryan Morales, who stole the ball near the left sideline.
“I think we just panicked in the last few minutes,” said coach John Sisterson. “We tried to play the ball out of the back and when you’re up 2-0, it should always be ‘safety first.’ We got caught asleep at the back.”
Chijioke Aranotu gave the Vaqueros (5-5-2, 3-3-2) a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute with a 25-foot left-footed shot that sailed over the keeper’s head. Kian Chachi got the assist.
Sammba Sowe made it 2-0 in the 79th minute when he dribbled past several defenders on the left side and beat the keeper to the near post.
“We played well, then our defense collapsed in the last five minutes,” said Aranotu, who recently returned from injury. “My goal came on a counter-attack. Adam is known for playing long balls. I collected it and noticed the goalie was creeping off his line, so I said ‘Why not?’ “
The Vaqueros outshot Moorpark (1-3-7, 1-2-4) 15-7 in the second half and 21-12 for the game. The shots on goal favored Santa Barbara, 7-5.
Sisterson changed the majority of his starters about a week ago and the players responded with nine goals in three games. The team had scored just eight in the first nine games.
“Both our goals were well taken and I thought we had a third by Jamie Sporcic but it was called offside,” said Sisterson. “You have to play for 90 minutes or a little bit more in this case. It’s disappointing to get a tie, especially when you’re two ahead so late in the game.”
The defending WSC champion Vaqueros open the second round of conference play on Friday with a 7 p.m. home game against Hancock.
