Chargers Comeback to Defeat Bobcats in Close Finish

CYPRESS, CA - Cypress men's soccer (5-8-2, 3-4-1 OEC) edged out a win against the Saddleback Bobcats (6-5-2, 3-4-1 OEC), 3-2. 

The Chargers hosted the Bobcats for a conference faceoff on the warm Friday afternoon. It was a game of possession early on with the two teams battling at midfield. As Cypress pushed down the field into Saddleback's territory, the home team found a great opportunity. Angel Cristobal crossed the ball in front of the goalkeeper which allowed Fabrizio Arana to score the game's first goal.

The Chargers took a one goal lead at the 17th minute that stood until near the end of the first half. At the 43rd minute the Bobcats managed to cause action in the Chargers box. On an attempted shot, the ball hit a Cypress defender's arm for a handball penalty. Saddleback scored on the penalty kick to tie the contest just before half, 1-1. 

The second half turned physical as each side constantly fought for possession. At the 70th minute, a long free kick from the Bobcats landed in the Cypress box as a Saddleback player managed to put a touch on the ball. On a high bounce, the ball would fall behind the Chargers keeper for the visiting team's second goal, 1-2. 

The Bobcat advantage would not last long as two minutes later, the home team put pressure on the Bobcats net. On a beautiful pass from Angel Cristobal, Arana only had the keeper to beat. A strong strike to the back of the net tied the game back up, 2-2. 

Cypress continued their offensive push as once again, the team competed in the Bobcats territory. Arana would finish his day with a hat trick and the Chargers third goal to take the lead. The score would stay the same until the final whistle as Cypress would claim their third conference victory. 

Arana had an incredible day as he scored every Charger goal with three alone off of four shots. Cristobal was a key playmaker as he assisted his teammate in two of the scores while Alex Monjaraz assisted the final goal. In net, Jared Johnson saved five Bobcat shots and earned the win. With the win, the Chargers would tie their opponent in the Orange Empire Conference standings. 

UP NEXT: The Chargers will travel to Orange Coast for their next conference matchup on Tuesday, October 24th. Kickoff will be at 3PM. 

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