The San Bernardino Valley College men's soccer team knew it would have its work cut out for it Friday as it hosted Oxnard, the state's third-ranked team Friday.
And after 23 minutes, the Wolverines were down by two goals.
But SBVC rallied to get a goal back in the first half, then pushed the play in the second half. But Oxnard parried every attack, while goalkeeper Jesus Gonzalez Rangel made six saves as the Condors held on for a 2-1 win on the SBVC soccer field.
Oxnard scored both of its goals in a span of about two minutes, both on long balls that beat the SBVC defense. Erik Lopez opened the scoring by knocking home a cross to the far post from Angel Herrera. Then, in the 22nd minute, Carlos Gomez ran through the SBVC defense and hit a jumping half volley off a bouncing ball that was sent through by Erik Lopez for a 2-0 lead. p.m
The second goal woke up the SBVC offense, as they picked up the pressure and pushed forward. The pressure paid off in the 39th minute, when Jason Hernandez ran in to the far post to head home a corner kick from Jose Solis to cut the lead in half.
The second half was a physical affair, with five yellow cards issued in the final 45 minutes. In all, there were seven cautions shown in the game. Meanwhile, SBVC was whistled for 27 fouls to only nine for Oxnard.
SBVC will have another test Monday, as it will take Mt. San Antonio College - ranked second in the state - at 6 p.m. in SBVC Stadium.