The Moorpark College men’s soccer team faced rival Oxnard College, and a late goal by Oxnard took away what seemed to be a sure win, resulting in a tie.

The Raiders held a narrow 1-0 lead when a Condors player scored in the 88th minute on a break away.

The Raiders had an opportunity to take control of the game, but could not capitalize offensively. They fired 13 shots at goal, but only connected once.

Coach Sean Roche was pleased with the aggressiveness of his offense, even though they were unable to squeeze in more than one goal.

“We’re here to create,” said Roche. “We were on par. Missed opportunities are a positive. When you don’t have those opportunities, it’s a negative.”

The Raiders looked like they were going to get the victory; holding on to the lead late, but Condors forward Jose Arrevalo maneuvered his way through the Raiders defense and fired in a goal in the 87th minute.

Roche acknowledged the spectacular move that Arrevalo made to maneuver past the defense.

“We lost focus and lunged,” said Roche. “He dribbled through three of us. You have to give him credit.”

The game lacked the scoring punch that the first game between the two teams had, but it did not lack the physicality. Players knocked one another around the entire game.

A yellow card was assessed to a Condors player when he shoved Raiders defensive captain Luis Gutierrez to the ground on a free kick attempt.

Hopefully the way this game ended will provide the Raiders with additional motivation when they face Santa Barbara this Friday, although Roche believes no extra motivation is needed.

“The top teams don’t need motivation,” said Roche. “The best part about this conference is there are so many good teams. It’s also the bad part. Every year is a battle.”

The Raiders could use a victory with only three conference games remaining, as they aim towards making the playoffs.