ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions defeated the Firebirds of University of Saint Katherine 1-0 on Sunday evening at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium.

The Lions outshot the Firebirds 21-4, and Soka senior Yauri De Groot's shot in the 23^rd minute of the match proved to be enough to give Soka their fourth win of the 2019 season.

De Groot's game-winning goal developed after a brief stint of possession from the Lions who showed patience and skill to build out of the back. First-year holding midfielder Josh Lee connected with fellow first-year central defender Chase Buchert at midfield. Buchert threaded his pass through Saint Katherine's defense to De Groot. De Groot received the ball with this back to net from 30-yards out, turned first-time, and placed his shot perfectly in the goal, as his shot ricocheted off of the far post and into the back of the net giving the Lions the 1-0 lead.

Soka was able to hang on to that lead for the remaining 67 minutes of play, with sophomore Gerardo De La Torre, junior Masahiro Otsuka and first-year Jesus Cabrera, each creating several more scoring opportunities throughout the match, but those chances were ultimately called back for being in an offside position.

Up next, the Lions have a ten day break until they open up California Pacific Conference play at home on Thursday, Sept.26, 2019 for Soka University's annual 'LGBTQ+ SportSafe Pride Night' match against the Seas Beggars of Providence Christian College. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.





NOTES: This is the sixth meeting between Soka University and University of Saint Katherine… The Lions are now 5-0-1 against the Firebirds… Soka's Maxwel Barainca made two saves on the day while Saint Katherine's Isaac Guerrero made six saves… Soka's De La Torre led the Lions with ten shots, while both De Groot and Otsuka each took three shots… Yauri De Groot Ranks Number 2 in NAIA Division I in Shots per Game (6.400)… he also ranks 14^th in shots on goal per game (3), 18^th in points per game (2.80), 20^th in total goals (7), 24^th for goals per game (1.2), and 26^th in total points (16)… Soka's Gerardo De La Torre ranks 6^th in NAIA Division I for shots per game (6.0)… he also ranks 13^th in shots on goal per game (3.2), 25^th in points per game (2.6), 29^th in goals per game (1.0), 32^nd in total points (13.00), 34^th in total assists (3.0), and 36^th in total goals (5)… a yellow card was show to Saint Katherine's Steven Regla in the 89^th minute of the match.