The Irvine Valley men’s soccer team scored three goals in the second half to defeat Cypress, 3-1, at home Friday afternoon and hand coach Martin McGrogan his 250th victory at the school.

McGrogan, who is in his 19th-year of guiding the Irvine Valley program, now has a record of 250-111-64. He's had a winning record in all but one of those seasons and won two state titles (1993 and 2003).

"This is really an occasion to thank of all of the players that have represented us throughout the years and all the great coaches that have helped be a part of this," McGrogan said. "That being said, I would give all 250 wins away to win the next eight or nine games this season and get another state championship."

The victory on Friday kept Irvine Valley (7-6-2, 5-3-0) within striking distance of first-place in the Orange Empire Conference standings. The Lasers trailed Santiago Canyon and Fullerton by two points for first heading into Friday’s action. 

Irvine Valley had plenty of chances to score throughout Friday’s game, but couldn’t convert on any in the first half. IVC out-shot Cypress, 10-3, in the first half.

But Cypress led, 1-0, thanks to a goal on a penalty kick. Ernesto Escobedo knocked it in after IVC was called for a hand ball in the box in the 21st minute. 

The second half was a different story, however, for the Lasers. And they didn’t take long to score.

Irvine Valley got on the board two minutes into the half when sophomore defender Troy Chavez got a hold of a loose ball and then sent a pass into the box where freshman midfielder Anthony Ramos was there to put it in. 

Less than two minutes later, IVC scored again. 

Freshman midfielder Brice Adams took the ball down the right sideline and sent a cross to freshman Reza Nourani. Nourani controlled the ball and then lofted a shot over the keeper’s head. 

IVC finished up the scoring in the 69th minute when sophomore midfielder Roberto Linck took a pass from Ramos, out-ran the defense and then shook the goalie with a pair of moves before sending the ball into the empty net.

"We finished our chances in the second half and that was the difference," McGrogan said. "When we play well this is a very, very good team."

Irvine Valley plays again next Tuesday. It has an important match-up with Fullerton at home at 1 p.m.