A tough five-minute stretch defensively in the first half cost the Irvine Valley men’s soccer team in a 2-1 loss to Moorpark Friday afternoon at home.

The defeat dropped Irvine Valley’s record to 2-3-2 overall.

After controlling the action early in the contest, Irvine Valley allowed goals in the 20th and 23rd minutes to Moorpark (3-1-1).

The first came when Alberto Mendoza positioned himself in the right place in the box to knock in a rebound off another Moorpark shot. A little more than three minutes later, Mendoza sent a pass to Rei Stern and Stern one-timed a shot past IVC keeper Daniel Hernandez.

Freshman Irvin Parra and sophomore Bruno Sad each had chances in the first half to score for Irvine Valley. Sad just missed with a header over the top. Freshman midfielder Brice Adams also sent a header wide of the net.

IVC finally got on the board about midway through the second half. Freshman Allen Villa, the newest member of the Laser squad, beat Moorpark goalie Barry Uko with a shot off a cross into the box from freshman Homero Martinez in the 66th minute.

The Lasers’ only other decent chance the rest of the way came when Anthony Muniz missed wide with a left-footed shot in the closing minutes.

Each team finished with eight shots. Hernandez made four saves for Irvine Valley.

Irvine Valley has 10 days off before starting Orange Empire Conference action. The Lasers play again Tuesday, Sept. 30 against Cypress on the road at 1 p.m.