Esparza, Exantus Each Score Twice in Draw With Desert

Tuesday's home game against College of the Desert was thrilling and action-packed, but the Knights had to settle for a second consecutive home draw (4-4) after losing a 2-goal lead twice. Jamesley Exantus and Alberto Esparza each scored twice as the Knights moved to 0-1-2 on the season. 

San Diego City took an early lead with Exantus scoring the first goal in the 10th minute on a header from just inside the box, assisted by Jeorge Morales' pass from midfield.

Esparza then doubled San Diego City's lead seven minutes later after dribbling past multiple defenders and hitting the back of the net to take the 2-0 advantage.

Despite taking one more shot than the Knights in the first half, Desert was unable to score and City went into halftime holding the 2-goal lead.

Desert, however, came out strong in the second half, applying much more offensive pressure. Hector Baltierra scored in the 56th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Two minutes later, Aidan Brothers equalized for Desert.

With the game turned on its head San Diego City responded quickly by regaining the lead on a 30-yard blast from Esparza in the 65th. That was followed by another goal from Exantus in the 70th minute, restoring their two-goal lead at 4-2. Exantus dribbled in from the left side and beat Desert's keeper for what seemed like the game clinching goal.

Unfortunately for the Knights, Desert refused to back down, and Isai Gil pulled one back in the 77th, bringing them back withing one. Emiliano Dominguez then scored the game-tying goal a minute later.

City goalkeeper Diego Garcia, who finished with three saves, stopped a Desert shot in stoppage time to preserve the draw.

The Knights have another home game coming up on Friday at 3 p.m. against Orange Coast.