FORT JONES – The Etna Lion heads were hanging and their tails were tucked after the Fall River Bulldogs scored two goals in about a minute to lead 3-1, late in their soccer match on Tuesday. Five minutes later, the Lions got a break that started a streak of three unanswered goals in a span of seven minutes.

The teams were tied 1-1 at the half. Fall River scored first at the six-minute mark. Lion Juan Castaneda tied it at 16 minutes, with an assist from Junior Zavalza.

Both teams had multiple opportunities to score in the second half, with several near misses. Fall River broke the tie with 13 minutes left in the match on a penalty kick. One minute later, the Bulldogs added what seemed to be an insurance goal, to up their lead to 3-1. The match appeared to be all but over.

The Lions found the spark they needed to reenergize when Justin Hiett was fouled. Etna was awarded an indirect kick a few yards from the Bulldog goal. Zavalza took the kick and passed to Erik Anaya, who put the ball into the lower right side of the net, drawing the Lions to within one goal, 3-2, with seven minutes to play.

Justin Hiett knotted the score, 3-3, at the 78-minute mark. Then, before Etna fans even finished celebrating, Hiett gave them a reason to start all over again.

Lion Juan Castaneda broke down the right side of the field and crossed a pass in front of the Bulldog net. Anaya attempted a header but the ball was too high. However, Hiett was able to get to the loose ball on the left side of the goal, and send it to the back of the net, giving Etna a 4-3 lead with seconds remaining in regulation.

After what likely seemed an eternity of added time, the center official finally blew the whistle. The Etna Lions had pulled off an improbable comeback for arguably their biggest win in several years.

The Lions improved to 2-1 in the Shasta Cascade League and 2-3 overall. Etna travels to Weed on Thursday to take on the Cougars (0-4-2).