ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions dropped their California Pacific Conference match against the Benedictine University at Mesa Redhawks 4-1 at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Lions were the first to convert in the thirteenth minute of the match off of a first-time finish from defensive midfielder Glen McKay. The goal developed after Harrison Mirolla made a dangerous diagonal run towards the right flank. With some fancy footwork on the ball from Mirolla to get free from his defender, he dropped his pass back to Gerardo De La Torre. De La Torre served a dangerous inswinger backpost towards McKay.
Mckay finished his shot with the instep of his right boot, placing his shot low, and into the back of the net for the early 1-0 lead.

Soka held on to that lead for the remainder of the first half, and ten minutes into the second period, until Benadictine's Carson Frost found himself free behind Soka's defensive line. Frost was able to find the ball at his feet off of a ricocheted pass, taking a touch, and netting his shot low and to the left, beyond the fingertips of Soka goalkeeper Maxwel Barainca for the equalizer.

Five minutes later, Redhawks' midfielder Jesus Felix netted the game-winning goal off of a first-time worldie of a shot that sailed into the upper right corner of the goal for the 2-1 lead.

Despite chances created by Mirolla, De La Torre and Leonardo Ortiz, Soka push to equalize was unsuccessful.

Benedictine found the back of the net two more times in the 70^th, and 74^th minutes of the game, bringing the final score to 4-1.

"That was a tough one tonight, and somewhat a game of two halves," said Head Coach Ian Eggleston. "I thought we were coping with their long ball tactics during the first half very well, and managed to get the goal to go ahead early. However, that all changed in the second half after a couple of our players had to come off the field due to injuries. I have to give credit to Benedictine, as they really took it to us after half time, and scored a couple of really great goals. The difference in squad size really took a toll on us over the course of the game, but I also think that Benedictine was able to outwork us and deserved the win. Tomorrow will be an important day of rest for the team as we recover, and then prepare for our next match on Thursday."

Up next, The Lions will continue California Pacific Conference play on the road, when they face the Golden Eagles of La Sierra University on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.  
 
 
 


 
Notes: this is the second meeting between the Lions and the Redhawks… Soka was outshot 27-6… Tonight was McKay's first career goal for the Lions… Soka's Barainca made 13 saves on the day… a yellow card was shown to Benedictine's Mo Kinteh.