Lathrop High was in need of a big win.
Instead, the Spartans settled for a 2-2 tie Monday against Johansen at Bennie Gatto Field.
"This was a good team effort," said Lathrop coach Jose Montes in this hard-fought Western Athletic Conference battle.
His team had its chance to forge ahead under cold and windy conditions. More on that.
The Spartans (2-5-3 WAC, 3-15-3 overall) fell behind from onset as the Vikings wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.
They scored on the opening minute.
But in the ninth minute, Isa Paniagua tied it at 1-1 in spectacular fashion.
The sophomore defender/forward delivered a clear out kick from midfield that happened to sail over the Viking goalie — she was caught outside the goalie area — for a 55-yard score.
"She struck every bit of the ball," said Montes of the Paniagua goal.
He was also impressed with Aryana Jones' score in the 18th minute that momentarily put his team ahead, 2-1.
"That was good shot," said Montes of Jones, who was not too far from the corner when she delivered a kick from distance away.
In the second half, Johansen (1-3-2, 2-6-2) scored in 44th minute, knotting the match at 2-2.
The Vikings threatened, catching Lathrop goal keeper Julia Odom on one-on-one situations on a few occasions only to have the defense led by Alessandra Giordano stepping in to thwart the attack.
In 75th minute, Lathrop had one more shot to take the lead by being awarded a penalty kick. It took a great goalie save by Johansen to keep the tie intact.