IRVINE, California — After a string of narrow one-goal defeats, the San Francisco Glens were due for a break.

They got one on the road Friday night, as an own goal with mere seconds left salvaged a 1-1 draw with LAFC affiliate Orange County SC U-23 at OC Great Park.

After the hosts scored in the 70th minute off a corner kick, the Glens' offense awoke. In the 85th minute, OCSC goalkeeper Ruben Stuiver was forced into action to thwart a sure chance for San Francisco. For a moment, it appeared that the City Bhoys would be doomed to their fourth one-goal loss of the season.

But this time, the Glens' resolve prevailed in the face of adversity. Second-half substitute Stephen Cordova unleashed a shot in the 92nd minute that Stuiver mishandled and rolled into the back of the net. Undoubtedly, the equalizer was the Carlsberg Play of the Game.

The draw gives the Glens a much-needed point for the standings and even more to play for on Sunday when they travel south to Sage Creek in Carlsbad for a 5 p.m. rematch against LA Galaxy SD Zest.

If Southwest Division leader FC Golden State beats the SoCal Seahorses on Saturday, then a Glens win over the Zest would catapult them into seventh place. If the Santa Cruz Breakers can defeat OCSC U-23 as well, a Glens win would subsequently propel them into sixth—just two points from fourth place.

In the initial meeting two weeks ago between the Glens and the Zest, San Francisco erupted for three goals in the final 22 minutes to break a scoreless tie and earn their first USL PDL victory in franchise history.

Next Home Game

The Glens return to San Francisco on Sunday, June 17 in a rematch with Orange County SC U-23. The venue will be determined. Season tickets and single-game tickets are available at sfglens.com/tickets. 

About the San Francisco Glens

Founded in 1961, the San Francisco Glens have been a mainstay of the San Francisco soccer landscape for decades, winning numerous titles in the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League and competing for national titles throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

The addition of the San Francisco Glens’ PDL team is the latest evidence of the club’s growth. Along with the Glens’ youth club, SF Glens Evolution—a U.S. Soccer Development Academy member and official North American partner of Celtic FC’s Academy—the Glens are the largest soccer club in San Francisco, providing all levels of competition to nearly 1,500 youth and adult soccer players.

To learn more about the San Francisco Glens, visit SFGlens.com and follow the club on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat—all using the handle @SFGlensSC.

About the USL Premier Development League

A part of the United Soccer Leagues, which also operates the Division II USL, the newly-announced USL Division III, and Super Y League, the USL Premier Development League (PDL) has served as the proven stepping-stone for aspiring professionals.

Over 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections since 2010 have PDL experience, including a total of 66 alums chosen in 2018. Among the many players to have played in the PDL before making their professional debuts include Newcastle United FC defender DeAndre Yedlin, 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Tim Melia, 2017 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara, and U.S. Men’s National Team members such as Darlington Nagbe, Brad Guzan, Geoff Cameron, and the Bay Area’s own Nick Lima.