Panthers Battle to a 3-3 Draw Against the Rams

The Chaffey College men's soccer team battled through a high-scoring contest on the road Tuesday afternoon, earning a 3-3 draw against Victor Valley College in Inland Empire Athletic Conference play. The Panthers built an early advantage behind a fast-paced first half before the Rams rallied late to even the score.

Chaffey came out strong, scoring three times in a 20-minute stretch during the first half. Kevin Velasquez opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing a precise pass from Julio Martinez to make it 1-0. After Victor Valley equalized in the 23rd minute, the Panthers responded immediately as Martinez netted back-to-back goals in the 30th and 31st minutes, assisted by Victor Ramos and Ernesto De Lara.

The Panthers carried a 3-1 lead into halftime, maintaining strong possession and organized pressure through the midfield. Goalkeeper Christian Hernandez recorded several key saves to preserve the advantage heading into the break.

Victor Valley fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit to 3-2 in the 52nd minute and later finding the equalizer in the 87th minute. Despite several late pushes from the Panthers, including shots on target from Velasquez and Vinicius Da Lima, the match ended in a hard-fought draw.

Martinez led the Panthers offensively with two goals and an assist, while Velasquez contributed a goal and an assist. Hernandez finished with four saves in goal.

The Panthers are now 3-2-1 in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference and will return home to host Norco College on Friday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m.