Newbury Park Gets Even at Finish

In a frantic finish to a Marmonte League boys’ soccer game played at breakneck speed, Newbury Park High rallied Wednesday to tie Thousand Oaks, 2-2, on a goal in the final two minutes at Thousand Oaks.

Christian Guardado scored the tying goal from 10 yards after a throw-in by Paul Bell was punched out by goalkeeper Brandon Buschold of Thousand Oaks.

Newbury Park (7-4-3, 2-0-1 in league play) was fortunate to get the draw after allowing Thousand Oaks (8-1-5, 2-0-1) to take a 2-1 lead with four minutes remaining on Chris Jack’s third goal.

Newbury Park forged a 21-11 shot advantage but squandered countless scoring chances. Nonetheless, the Panthers, traditionally a league also-ran, appear to be a title contender this season.

“I think [Newbury Park] will make the playoffs,” Jack said. “They’re very fast. A couple of touches [of the ball] and they’re gone.”

Guy Sanford, Newbury Park’s second-year coach, said he believes he has the league’s most talented team but lamented a lack of consistent intensity.

“Why my guys waited until two minutes were left to go nuts, I don’t know,” Sanford said. “I want that kind of emotion throughout a game.”

Newbury Park took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute when Brian White headed in a free kick by Dana Peterson.

Thousand Oaks, defending league champion, answered six minutes before halftime when Adam Becerra headed in his own rebound after taking a pass from Danny Ermolovich.