An 86th-minute penalty kick kept Real San Jose from taking three points out of a Mother’s Day trip to Hayward as East Bay FC Stompers forced a 2-2 draw. This match was just another frustration for RSJ, who are looking to get into the thick of the playoff race.

The first half saw RSJ gradually take control only to miss three golden chances until newly signed Fernando Lares put San Jose on the scoreboard for the first time in four games.

The Stompers came out strong in the second half and scored on a 62nd-minute goalmouth scramble that ended with Victor Parra equalizing.

In the 70th minute, a long punt from RSJ goalkeeper Jonathan Arellano sent Eddie Guerro free only to be fouled just outside the Stomper’s penalty area. Surprisingly the referee only gave the offending last man a yellow card. Those concerns were quickly forgotten when Lares curved the resulting direct kick inside the back post for his second goal of the match.

Once again the Stompers pushed forward until a seemingly harmless header went straight to the arm of RSJ defender Gio Troini and the referee pointed to the spot. Diego Garcia shot true, and the match was even with just four minutes remaining.

“It felt great to get on the scoresheet in the first half and then follow up with another goal in the second half. A bit disappointed we were robbed of a win, but that’s the game of football, and I look forward to the rest of the season,” said Lares, an 18-year-old striker from Gilroy.

Real San Jose returns to PAL Stadium next Saturday to host the Sonoma Sol. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm. Advance tickets are on sale at the Real San Jose online store.