Dos Pueblos lost the lead with five minutes left in the match and ended up drawing with Buena, 2-2, in a Channel League boys soccer match Tuesday night.
The tie, combined with Santa Barbara’s win over Ventura, puts the Chargers (14-3-3, 3-1-2, 11 points) four points behind the league-leading Dons with two matches (maximum six points) remaining.
Buena scored the tying goal on a header off a corner kick to the back post.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute when they turned a poorly struck goal kick into a counterattack goal.
Dos Pueblos fought its way back and tied the score in the 20th minute. Jessie Jimenez connected with fellow sophomore Manny Nwosu on a corner kick and Nwosu muscled the ball into the back of the net.
Dos Pueblos took a 2-1 lead four minutes into the second half. Julio Rubio fed a surging Tim Heiduk for the go-ahead goal.
Buena stepped up the pressure to score the equalizer, and the Bulldogs delivered in the 75th minute.
Dos Pueblos coach Matt York praised the play of Michael Penza.
“He’s one of our grinders, and probably our most improved player,” York said. “Michael played with tenaciousness and provided great crosses into the box tonight.”
Dos Pueblos returns home on Thursday for a match against San Marcos at 5 p.m.
