PHOTOS: Fullerton earns conference title after hard-fought showdown with Santa Ana

Fullerton players and coaches celebrate after securing the conference title. (Photos courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone).

The top two men’s soccer teams in the Orange Empire Conference met in a title-significant match Friday at Fullerton College and those brave enough to brave a chilly Southern California evening got their money’s worth.

In an energetic match the OEC’s No. 1 team, Fullerton, and its closest challenger, Santa Ana, played to a scoreless tile.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Fullerton College Coach Greg Avila received an ice water bath after Hornets secured OEC title.

Fullerton players and coaches applaud their fans after playing Santa Ana to a scoreless tie.

Fullerton goalie Steven Martinez is congratulated after recording his fourth OEC shutout.

Fullerton’s Cesar Marquez and Santa Ana’s Fernando Salas joust for the ball.

Santa Ana’s Elijah Lozano kicks the ball away from Fullerton’s Hayden Kenny.

Fullerton goalie Steve Martinez makes a leaping save.

Fullerton’s Andrew Arreola uses his head to block a kick by Santa Ana’s Paul Carillo.

Santa Ana’s Paul Carrillo kicks the ball away from Fullerton’s Hector Guevara (15) and Jacob Ponce.

Under Coach Greg Avila, Fullerton College has won five of the last six OEC soccer titles.

Santa Ana’s Ivan Torres directs the ball away from Fullerton’s Hayden Kenny.

Fullerton’s Andrew Arreola and Santa Ana’s Bryant Pineda compete for ball.

The outcome benefitted the host Hornets, giving them their third consecutive soccer title and fifth in the last six seasons under Head Coach Greg Avilas.

Fullerton (13-3-4, 9-0-3) wraps up its regular season with a match at Golden West (4-9-4, 4-5-3} Tuesday and at home Friday night against Saddleback (8-5-5, 5-3-4 ) at 6 p.m.

Santa Ana (9-5-4, 7-2-3) host Saddleback Tuesday and Cypress (7-5-7, 4-2-6) Friday at 2.

—Story courtesy Jim McCormack, For OC Sports Zone