Santa Ana Gets 38th in a Row

Santa Ana had little trouble pushing aside Irvine Valley in the first half and went on to beat the visiting Lasers, 4-1, in an Orange Empire Conference men’s soccer game Friday.

Santa Ana, which extended its unbeaten streak to 38 games over two seasons, got goals from Alex Licea, Carlos Rangel and Robert Corona in the opening half.

The victory also moves Santa Ana (13-0, 4-0 in conference) into sole possession of first place. Irvine Valley (8-3-1, 3-1) falls to second.

Licea gave Santa Ana a 1-0 lead when he scored on a header.

Irvine Valley goalie David Latham challenged Licea, who knocked the ball into the open net as the two collided. Latham was given a yellow card for his part in the contact.

Rangel chipped the ball into an open net thanks to a precise pass from team captain Jose Retiz, who was near midfield.

Corona capped the first-half scoring for the defending state champion Dons when he drilled home a rebound in the 36th minute. Martin Carrington scored Santa Ana’s second-half goal.

Andres Morgante scored Irvine Valley’s goal with about a minute to play.