SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Brenton Frame gave the 21st-ranked Sonoma State men's soccer team a 1-0 lead just 20 minutes into the contest, but the tables would turn in the second half as two red cards within nine minutes of each other put the Seawolves two men down for the final 45 minutes on Saturday, only to escape with a tie, a 1-1 draw with host Point Loma to remain unbeaten on the year at 3-0-1.  The Sea Lions move to 1-2-1.

It was a very even match for the opening 45 minutes with Sonoma holding a narrow 6-5 advantage in shots and the all important 1-0 lead on the scoreboard.  Frame's third goal of the season came in the 21st minute when Armando Coronel and Michel Arroyo passed it up to Frame, who went one-on-one with PLNU keeper Avrin Yakou and beat him to the net.

After halftime, Point Loma came out firing, taking three of the next four shots between both squads before things changed drastically in the 56th minute.  Eric Alvarado was dribbling down field and attempted to jump over a sliding defender, but didn't clear him and landed on his shoulder.  The play drew a straight red card from the referee, putting Sonoma at a 11-10 disadvantage in players on the field.

Then, only nine minutes later, PLNU sent a cross deep into SSU territory, but right at Seawolf keeper Mitch North.  In the meantime, SSU defender Ryan Rohane accidentally bumped a Sea Lion forward who was streaking towards the play that had already been diffused, drawing a yellow card and setting up a penalty kick for the hosts.  In disapproval, Rohane was shown another yellow card and was sent off, forcing the Seawolves to play with two men down the rest of the way.  Once the dust settled, Point Loma's Manu Montal converted the penalty kick attempt to knot the game at 1-1.

From then on, PLNU put emmense pressure on the SSU defense, eventually outshooting the visitors 20-2 from halftime on, including a 15-1 margin in the second half.  However, the remaining Seawolves and North, who made seven saves on the day, including five after the intermission, held strong to force the draw.

Quotes from head coach Marcus Ziemer:

"We showed a lot of heart to battle for 55 minutes with only nine men, and Mitch North made a few incredible saves to preserve the tie."

"Dylan Stafford had an outstanding game today.  His leadership and his will to fight to keep the team sharp through adversity was incredible."

"Point Loma is a very good team and they play great football.  It was shaping up to be a great second half, but after losing two players, we had to play more defensive. I was really proud of how the boys battled.

Up Next:

Sonoma State will continue its five-match road trip on Friday when it opens CCAA play at Cal State L.A..  Kickoff from Los Angeles is set for 7:00 pm.