SANTA CLARITA, CA - The Blue Heat set themselves up for a challenge early on trailing 1-0 just one minute into play. Down 2-0 in the second half Santa Clarita's resilience paid off coming back to earn a 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon.

 

Moments after kickoff Rebekah Patrick played Chloe Roberts through who raced onto the ball and finished well to put the Rapids Women up 1-0. Play was back and forth for the remainder of the half with both teams struggling to connect passes and create scoring opportunities. 

 

The teams regrouped at halftime and both came out organized and poised to earn points. It was the Rapids that connected once again to double their advantage. In the 52nd minuted Kelsey Neal headed home Kristen Hamilton's cross for the 2-0 lead.

 

With the Blue Heat trailing, coach Anthony Rodwell made a series of substitutions in an attempt to spark the players. Play picked up and the Blue Heat were rewarded with a goal from substitute Yadira Toraya in the 71st minute. Stacey Rodwell's corner was headed into the mix by Corina Villegas and Toraya capitalized. 

 

Seizing the momentum the Blue Heat pressed for the equalizer. Three minutes later, in the 74th minute, Tara Corcoran drilled a free kick into the box from distance, where Liz Franco flicked the ball over the keeper to tie up the game. 

 

Both the Blue Heat and the Colorado Rapids were looking for the win and threatening from end to end to the very last minute.

 

The Blue Heat return to Masters College on June 14 at 8 p.m. ET taking on the Bay Area Breeze.