ALISO VIEJO, CA- Soka University's Gerardo De La Torre and Leo Ortiz each tallied four goals, while Aidan Gross netted one in the Lions 9-0 rout over the Sierra Nevada College Eagles on Sunday afternoon at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium.

De La Torre put the Lions on the scoreboard early, netting his first goal in the fifth minute of the match, with the assist from Ortiz inside the 18-yard box. Four minutes later Ortiz tallied his first goal with a cheeky flick off of Gross' corner kick. Ortiz redirected his flick into the near post of the goal, giving Soka the 2-0 lead ten minutes into the match.

Ten minutes later, Ortiz struck again, this time with the assistance of first-year winger Jesus Cabrera, and De La Torre. De La Torre converted his second goal three minutes after, as he received a brilliantly driven ball behind the defense from first-year midfielder Josh Lee.  De La Torre collected the ball out of the air into his exit, and blasted his shot high, and into the goal giving the Lions the four point advantage.

The Lions scored their fifth goal at the 33:40 minute mark. The goal originated from senior central defender Hunter Stewart's deep service to sophomore midfielder Glen McKay. Mckay deceptively threaded his pass to De La Torre, who bent his shot high, and into the upper corner ending the first 45 minutes of play at 5-0.

De La Torre scored his fourth goal and the Lions' sixth goal of the game after junior midfielder Linus Rueegger served a high pass into the penalty box. De La Torre brought the ball down with his right foot, and fired his shot into the upper-90.

Ortiz then recorded back-to-back goals in the 73^rd and 82^nd minutes, and Gross tallied the Lions ninth and final goal after beating Sierra Nevada's keeper on the dribble, giving Soka their ninth win of the 2019 season.   

"That was a solid performance from the guys today," said Head Coach Ian Eggleston.  "It was great to be able to honor the senior players and their families and to really thank them for all that they've done for our program. Now we move on to preparing for a very good Marymount team next Friday."

Prior to the start of the match, Soka honored their five graduating seniors with a touching tribute to Class of 2020's Julian Nazar, Leo Ortiz, Aidan Gross, Hunter Stewart and Yauri De Groot. The men's program presented each senior with a plaque and gave praise to their stellar work both on and off the playing field.

"This senior class has been fantastic to work with," said Eggleston. "Their dedication, work ethic and collective attitude has been vital in growing the program and providing a great culture for our team to succeed within. Each and every week we are all amazed at how well rounded they all are, and how much they have thrived here at Soka by taking advantage of everything available in the classroom and beyond. Over the past two years I've been privileged to watch them grow and mature as really impressive young men, who are destined for great things. Both individually and collectively this class has an amazing ability to make sure our team works incredibly hard, embodies our team values, looks after each other, enjoys each other's company, and laughs a lot! We're incredibly thankful for all they have done for Soka men's soccer."

Julian Nazar is a four year varsity letter winner from Cary, NC. Over his career he has appeared in 48 games, scoring six goals and recording five assists, combining for a total of 17 points for the Lions. "Julian's hard work on the field is matched by his amazing work ethic in his academics," said Eggleston. "He's already earned many prestigious opportunities as a budding writer and journalist, and is destined for a very successful career no matter where his chosen path takes him. He's been such an important part of the team's great culture."

Leo Ortiz is a four year varsity letter winner from Santa Cruz, CA. Ortiz has played in 63 games, scored 23 goals and has four assists for a total of 50 points. "Leo is such level-headed, positive, and conscientious young man who always has a smile on his face," said Eggleston.  "His desire to make the world a better place, along with his excellent attitude will take him a long way in life for sure. We'll definitely miss his goals from 40 yards out!"

Aidan Gross is a four year varsity letter winner from Las Vegas, NV. He has appeared in 64 games, scored three goals and boasts 12 assists for a combined 18 points. "Aidan has become an important leader on the team in the last couple of years," said Eggleston. "He has such a tremendous work ethic in everything he does; whether on the field, in the classroom, or beyond. His intelligence and desire to positively impact those around him will see him doing great things in his future."

Hunter Stewart is a four year varsity letter winner, and three year team captain from Bakersfield, CA. Hunter has played in 65 games at center back scoring 16 goals and recording seven assists for a combined 39 points. "Hunter has relished the role of captain for the past three years, and has been an excellent leader for the team," said Eggleston. "His hunger for the game is definitely matched by his passion to explore worldly issues, and striving to make a positive impact on society and the world as a whole."

Yauri De Groot is a four year varsity letter winner and two year captain from Den Bosch, Netherlands. He has played in 55 games as either a forward or midfielder. He has Scored 47 goals, has 29 assists, and is Soka's All-time leading point scorer with 123 points. "Yauri is one of the most well rounded Student-Athletes I've ever worked with," said Eggleston. "There's no doubt that he is the best player to have played at Soka since the program started in 2008, and he has made a positive impact for our team on the field as a player, goal scorer, leader, and captain. His successes on the field are also matched by his accolades in the classroom, and over the past two years he has taken his leadership capabilities to great new heights. We're all hoping we get a chance to watch Yauri continue to play soccer after his college career, and know that he'll do amazing things beyond soccer as well."

Up next, the Lions will travel to Marymount California University on Friday Nov. 8, 2019. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 

NOTES: This is the fourth meeting between the Lions and the Eagles… Soka is now 4-0 against Sierra Nevada… Soka outshot Sierra Nevada 35-10… Soka's Maxwel Barainca and Riley Grosso combined for three saves on the day… This is De La Torre's second time scoring four goals in a single match this season, while it is Ortiz's first time scoring four goals in a single game… Ortiz is now the third Lion in program history to score four goals in one game.