POWAY -- Connor Phillips followed in a deflected ball and the Rancho Buena Vista High boys soccer team in all likelihood denied Poway a chance to repeat as Palomar League champion as the teams played to a 1-1 tie on Wednesday night.

Playing on a frigid evening, RBV struck for the equalizer late in the second half in a big match for each team. Had the third-ranked Titans (15-2-4. 3-2-1) hung on, they would still be eyeing a league title. Instead, the No. 2 Longhorns (13-2-3, 5-0-2) kept a comfortable cushion with just a few games remaining.

Poway coach Gene Morris said the focus will turn to the playoffs for the Titans, last season's CIF San Diego Section Division I champions. This year, Morris will look to heal a bunch that entered Wednesday's contest without four injured starters, then had a pair of midfielders leave the game with injuries.

Still the matchup of two of the San Diego Section's elite teams played evenly throughout.

Midway through the first half, Poway midfielder Alex Henry ended his run down the left sideline with a nice cross that worked its way to Kevin Meyer on the right side. Meyer, a seldom-used reserve, wasn't in awe of the moment. His left-footed strike gave Poway a 1-0 lead.

RBV had scoring chances of its own and finally converted with a few minutes remaining in the second half. Nick Ilich's cross from the left found both Phillips and the Poway goalkeeper on the right side at the same time. Phillips got more of the ball and it bounded in for the tie.

Rancho Buena Vista coach Dave Whiddon credited his team's determination and leadership in the comeback.

"This team has tremendous character and self-belief, and that was evident today," Whiddon said. "All credit to Poway, that was a great draw."

Prior to the game, in a statement read over the stadium loudspeaker, Morris gave credit to his team for avoiding a rebuilding season. Poway started as many as eight seniors en route to last year's section and league titles.

But with UC Irvine-bound Zach Olow leading the way this season, the Titans have remained among the section's best teams.