ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions defeated the Pioneers of Pacific Union College 2-1 on Monday evening at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium.

Pacific Union was the first to get on the scoreboard 36 minutes into the match. Pioneer midfielder Carlos Piedra threaded his pass through Soka's back line towards striker Jonathan Manurung. Manurung took his first touch towards goal, and slotted his shot into the back post, past Soka's Riley Grosso for the 1-0 lead.

In the 74^th minute, Soka's PK wizard Hunter Stewart scored the equalizer after the Lions were awarded a penalty kick for a handball in the box. Stewart took his time, remained focused, stayed composed, and placed his shot into the goal to level the score.

Despite multiple chances in front of the goal from Soka's attacking force comprised of Harrison Mirolla, Leonardo Ortiz, Aidan Gross, Johannes Hielscher, Gerardo De La Torre and Glen McKay, the Lions were unable to find the back of the net during regulation play. It wasn't't until the 93^rd minute, that Soka's outside back Harrison Gilmer won his 1 vs. 1 dual on the left touchline to get himself free with space to carry the ball. He picked up his head, saw De La Torre's diagonal run, and served a cheeky ball towards the box finding De La Torre in stride. De La Torre collected the ball with his right boot, cut behind Pacific Union's defender at the corner of the six-yard box, and bent his shot cross-keeper, and into the upper-V of the back post to lift the Lions to victory.

Tonight's win brings the Lions' overall record to 7-7, and 3-4 in California Pacific Conference play.

"We made hard work of that tonight," said head coach Ian Eggelston. "We looked sluggish in the first half, and credit to Pacific Union for creating some dangerous chances. The second half was all about increasing both our intensity and our composure. Once we took care of those things, I thought we really took the game to them. We probably should have finished a few more of our chances as the shot counts in each half (10-9 first half and then 19-3 second half) really tell the story of the game. The guys did a good job of not panicking when the second goal didn't come, and stuck with the task at hand in order to get us the win three minutes into overtime. Now, it's all about the recovery process, and getting ready for our next game on Thursday."

The Lions will continue Cal Pac Conference competition on the road, when they travel to Pasadena, CA on Thursday evening to face the Sea Beggars of Providence Christian College. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Maranatha High School.
 
 
 
 
NOTES: This is the sixth meeting between the Lions and the Pioneers… Soka is now 6-0 against Pacific Union… The Lions outshot the Pioneers 29-12… Soka's Riley Grosso made four saves on the day…. yellow cards were shown to Pacific Union's Jonathan Manurung and Ricardo Mazariegos.