PASADENA, CA-  The Soka University Lions defeated the Sea Beggars of Providence Christian College 3-1 on Thursday evening at Maranatha High School's Soccer Stadium.

Soka took the early lead, scoring their first goal at the 1:25 mark. Soka's Gerardo De La Torre threaded his pass through the seams of Providence Christian's back line to Harrison Mirolla. Mirolla placed his shot past the Sea Beggars' goalkeeper, Josia Vanderveen, for the 1-0 advantage.

Nine minutes later, the Lions were awarded a free kick outside of the box. De La Torre stepped to the ball, bent his shot around the opposing wall, and into the goal for the 2-0 lead. With less than eight minutes passing, De La Torre created the Lions' third goal by breaking free and taking his half-chance opportunity on frame. De La Torre's shot skimmed off the back post, and Leonardo Ortiz was there to ensure the chance was converted.

The Lions' produced stellar defensive work over the course of the next hour, with standout performances from Soka's back line consisting of Maxwel Barainca, Hunter Stewart, Zach Engfelt, Harrison Gilmer, and Carter Johnson. However, in the 82^nd minute the Sea Beggars were able to slip past Soka's defense and get on the scoreboard. Providence Christian's Andrew Macias netted his team's lone goal off of the assist from Jacob Bockert for a final score of 3-1.

"The guys were great tonight," said head coach Ian Eggleston. "Our goal was to start the game with great intensity and put them under a lot of pressure straight away. We did a fantastic job of that, and were 3-0 up after nineteen minutes of play. From there on out it was about managing the game. The work rate and organization from all of the players for the rest of the match was excellent, and we probably could have scored a couple more. They obviously got a late goal on us, but we were the worthy winners tonight."

The Lions continue with California Pacific Conference play on the road when they head to University of Antelope Valley on Thursday, October 25, 2018. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
 
 



 
NOTES:  This is the fourth meeting between the Lions and the Sea Beggars… Soka is now 4-0 against Providence Christian College… this is the second time that Soka has defeated Providence Christian by a score of 3-1…The Lions are now 8-7, and 4-4 in Cal Pac Conference play… Soka's Barainca made four saves on the day… a yellow card was show to Soka's Glen McKay in the 38^th minute of the match… De La Torre scored his ninth goal this season, has boasted nine assists, and totals 27 points on the season.