COSTA MESA – Redlands senior Jarette Barajas produced a hat trick to help his team overcome a 2-0 deficit against Vanguard in a men's soccer battle on Saturday at VU Soccer Field.

The 3-2 final gave VU (2-1-4) its first loss of the season, while the Bulldogs improved to 5-0.

It was a tale of two halves as Vanguard took a two-goal lead midway through the first 45 minutes, but squandered the advantage as Barajas scored in a variety of ways, via a free kick, header and penalty kick.

Both teams took 10 shots with Vanguard keeper Edwin Monterrosa and Redlands counterpart Seth Lawrence each making three saves. Stewart Alvayero led the Lions with four shots, while Barajas had a match-high five.

What Happened?

The Lions looked fresh after a 10-day break in between games. Robert Ronco took the first two shots for the Lions, but it was Alvayero who dented the scoreboard first.

Chris Sanchez made a long run up the left sideline and cut a pass inside to Alvayero. Alvayero took one touch and unleashed a laser past Seth Lawrence for the 1-0 lead in the 21st minute.

The Lions struck again five minutes later. A Redlands foul set up a free kick on the right side for Alvayero. His service into the 18-yard box deflected off a Bulldog defender to Austin Tubbs, who turned to his left and had his attempt blocked. The rebound squirted out to Slater Hammer, who beat Lawrence for his first career goal with the Blue and Gold. 

For the third straight home match, the Lions shot out to a 2-0 lead.

VU controlled the first half with a 6-1 shots advantage. The Bulldogs threatened with their one shot attempt, as Phillip Kostenko had a breakaway 1v1 encounter with Monterrosa, but hooked his shot just wide left of the post.

Whereas VU previously turned those 2-0 leads into wins against the likes of Whittier and Antelope Valley, that would not be the case against Redlands on an unseasonably cold day in Costa Mesa.

The Bulldogs came out more aggressive in the second half, and Barajas became a nemesis for the Blue and Gold. The midfielder scored twice in a two and a half minute span to tie the game.

Redlands drew a tripping foul to set up a free kick from Barajas in the 57th minute. He whipped a left-footed shot over the Lion wall and bent it into the upper left corner to get the Bulldogs on the board.

The visitors equalized at the 59:24 mark when Spencer Palmer sent a looping pass from the left sideline to Barajas at the far post. Barajas redirected a header past the outstretched right arm of Monterrosa for his second goal of the game.

The Lions threatened to retake the lead as Nathaniel Gomez steered his header wide left in the 80th minute. Alvayero challenged Lawrence on a free kick in the 83rd minute, but the Bulldog keeper went to his left to make the save.

The continued advances by the Bulldogs eventually paid off at the 85:09 mark. The game-winning goal came courtesy of a penalty kick by Barajas, who buried his shot to the lower left corner. 

The PK occurred after Monterrosa collided with an attacking Bulldog player inside the box.

Why Is It Important?: It was the first time the Lions lost a match after leading 2-0 going through records that date back to 2005.

What Was Said?: "We still haven't put in a 90 minute shift," said Head Coach Jesus (Chuy) Miramontes. "The offense was awesome for the first 45. Being up 2-0 at half and losing 3-2 is disappointing. We need to learn from this and get better at closing out games."

What's Next?: The Lions travel to The Master's on Wednesday for a designated nonconference game. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m.