Varsity soccer tied the North Lamar Panthers Tuesday after leading 3-1 with three minutes left in the game. The Tigers dominated for the majority of the game, and had a win within sights until the Panthers scored at the end of regulation.

Tigers disputed the call because of it occurring after time was out, but the referees continued play. Although the referees were a factor, players blame themselves for allowing the Panthers to score.

“The third goal, we just left our defenses down for a second and they took advantage of it,” junior Cooper Zverina said. “I think we definitely have to improve on communication and where to pass [the ball].”

Before these last couple minutes the Tigers dominated from the beginning whistle with junior David Sangalli scoring two minutes into the game. Sophomore Alex Hernandez continued the dominance by scoring 10 minutes into the first half.

“I feel like we played very well this game,” Hernandez said. “We kind of dominated [the entire game.]”

North Lamar scored with seven minutes remaining in the first half and it ends with the Tigers up 2-1. The second half is back and forth with both teams controlling the ball at some points until Sangalli scores again with 26 minutes left in the game.

“We all played are positions really well,” Sangalli said. “We all knew what to do and were making good passes but we weren’t connecting well enough.”

Not connecting passes led the Panthers to scoring with three minutes remaining to bring the score to 3-2 Tigers. With 30 seconds left, the ball went out of play and the referees called for the Panthers to receive the throw in near the Tigers goal. The Tigers also battled the refs the entire game with offsides calls and penalties.

“There were some mistakes from us and [the] referees,” Hernandez said. “But other than that I think we played really well.”

The Tigers will use this game to prepare for the rest of the season including their next game which is at Pleasant Grove, Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

“I think either way we are going to be really proud,” Sangalli said. “I think if we work on [communicating] and getting better at our positions and touches, we will have a great season.