Alarming start for Dons with fifth consecutive game without a win

The Santa Ana Dons’ last game resulted in a 3-3 draw against the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines at home on Tuesday, a game where they overcame a two-goal lead.

This adds to a struggling start for the Dons, resulting in their fifth straight game without a win.

After losing 4-3 away against Norco College, Santa Ana tried to get a win in their second home game of the season.

Within the first minute, the Dons were shocked by a fast attack from the Wolverines, which forced them to try and construct a comeback.

Ivan Torress and Orlando Virgen tried to get their team into a rhythm, but it wasn’t flowing like they would’ve wanted.

“We struggled in the midfield and defense…We struggled overall,” said Virgen.

Much of the game was a battle of the midfield and before the first half ended, Ivan Torres brought back the Dons with a goal, his first of the season.

Kevin Munoz recovering the ball before passing it to the midfield. Photos by Alexis Vega / el Don

At the start of the second half, the team looked fatigued, and the Dons made many mistakes that the Wolverines exploited and brought back their lead making the game 2-1.

The shift of momentum made the Dons’ plans difficult to execute, leading to them conceding another goal by the Wolverines, expanding their lead to 3-1.

“Some of these kids are not sticking with the plans and it’s a little frustrating,” said head coach Jose Vasquez.

After the third goal from the Wolverines in the 83rd minute, something in the Dons woke up, leading them to start pressing more in the final minutes of the game.

A penalty was called in the 89th minute for the Dons resulting in a goal. Photos by Alexis Vega / el Don

The Dons led a furious counterattack, which started in the midfield and led to their second goal of the evening at the 85th minute, scored by Adrian Chavez.

In the last few minutes of the game, after the Dons got awarded a corner kick, there was a foul in the box, and the referee called for a penalty kick.

The penalty was successfully taken in the 90th minute by Virgen, the comeback for the Dons resulting in a 3-3 draw.