The Oxnard College men’s soccer team pulled a rabbit out of the hat, scoring two goals in the final three minutes to tie the Rio Hondo Roadrunners 4-4 in Friday’s match.

Oxnard College head coach Russ Greaney seemed confident that they could comeback from their late-game deficit.

“We have talented players,” Greaney said.

“I was always sure we could score.”

Rio Hondo was quick to strike first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first ten minutes of the game. Forward Nathan Lytle tied the game up at 1 from a beautiful pass by Midfielder Sam Nellis, who squeezed a pass between two Rio Hondo defenders, giving Lytle a one-on-one match-up with the Roadrunners’ goalie.

The Roadrunners dominated on the offensive end, with crisp passing and great forward play. The Condors had trouble defending the Rio Hondo forwards, which had many shots on goal.

However, after the Roadrunners were up 3-1 in the second half, things started to turn around. Oxnard got on the offensive, due to some great passing by Nellis. Lytle scored an unassisted goal to cut the lead to 3-2, his second of the game. The Condors had many opportunities to tie the game, but could not capitalize, and Rio Hondo was able to score once more to what appeared to be the goal that sealed the deal.

Down 4-2, the Condors got another goal from Lytle, on another great pass from Nellis, and less than a minute after, Forward Gerardo Ponce headed in a strike in the corner of the net to tie the game up, and complete the improbable comeback.

Midfielder Johnny Martinez believed that his team should never give up, especially on its own turf.

“We just keep fighting,” Martinez said.

“We’re not just going to give up on our home field.”

Lytle completed the hat trick, scoring three goals for the Condors (0-2-1).

The Condors will see if they have any more tricks up their sleeves, when they host Pasadena College next Friday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.

A team that never quits, and is willing to fight to the end shows the major talent this team possesses.

“We got a good team with good talent,” stated Lytle.

“We have a lot of heart.”