MESA, AZ- The Soka University Men's Soccer team defeated the Redhawks of Benedictine University-Mesa 1-0 this afternoon at Eagle Park.

Junior goalkeeper Max Barainca came up with the heroic save in the 26^th minute to keep the Lions in the game after the Redhawks were awarded a penalty kick. Barainca made a season high eight total saves in the match, providing Soka with the momentum needed to find the game-winner.

Soka's senior attacking midfielder Yauri De Groot converted the lone goal of the match off of a solo effort in the 51^st minute, scoring his fourth game-winning goal of the season.

"The boys were immense today," said Head Coach Ian Eggleston. "That's a tough team to play in 95-degree heat, and we were missing four of our key players. I thought we had a well thought out game plan, and the guys stuck to it perfectly. Max was incredible in goal again today, and his penalty save in the first half was crucial. We thought one goal might be enough to win the game, and although they are a very direct team, it just seemed like we could cope with whatever they threw our way. We're so proud of the whole team and all of their hard work." 

Up next, the Lions will remain on the road and travel to Angwin, CA, for their fifth Cal Pac Conference match of the season on Sunday Oct. 13, 2019. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
 



 
NOTES: This is the third meeting between the Lions and the Redhawks… Soka is now 1-2 against Benedictine University-Mesa… The Redhawks outshot the Lions 24-7… Soka is now 7-3 overall and 3-1 in Cal Pac Conference play... Soka ranks 2^nd in the NAIA for shots per game, 3^rd in shots on goal per game, 17^th in assists per game, 18^th in goals per game, 25^th in total goals, 27^th in total assists, 49^th I shutouts, and 50^th in total shutouts.