Dons Battle Fullerton College to 1-1 Tie in Physical Match

Jose Lopez battles a Fullerton defender mid-air in the Dons 1-1 tie. Lopez scored the Dons goal in the 17th minute on a header.
Jose Lopez battles a Fullerton defender mid-air in the Dons 1-1 tie. Lopez scored the Dons goal in the 17th minute on a header.

SANTA ANA - Just days before the two school's football programs are set to meet for the 92nd time, the men's soccer teams warmed up the rivalry on the pitch as the Dons played Fullerton College to a hard-fought 1-1 tie.

The Hornets (4-4-4, 2-2-1) scored first with a goal by Enio Dominguez in the 16th minute. Alan Torres sent a cross from the left side that found Dominguez for the opening score.

But the Dons (7-1-4, 3-1-1) answered less than a minute later when Samuel Pradervand chipped a pass off a corner kick that found Jesus Lopez for a header goal.

The teams then played the next 73 minutes without finding the back of the net as they tied for the second straight meeting. Both ties have come at SAC.

Next up for the Dons is a road match at Orange Coast College this Friday, October 17 at 3:00 PM.