ALISO VIEJO, CA- After 90 minutes of regulation play and two overtime periods, the Soka University Lions and the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers finished their match tied 3-3 on Thursday evening at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

Alex Tavarez scored back-to-back goals for the Lions, giving them the 2-0 lead fourteen minutes into the match. Tavarez's first goal came after he dispossessed the Pioneers' defender and drove his shot far post from thirty yards out. His second goal stemmed off of a turnover from the Pioneers, and Tavarez capitalized on his chance, driving his shot perfectly into the upper corner of the back post.

The Lions gave up a penalty kick at the 15:13 minute mark, and the Pioneers David Nava converted his chance to bring the score to 2-1.

Antelope Valley's Johan Matamoras headed in the equalizer off of Joseph Cortez's corner kick five minutes into the second half. Thirteen minutes later, Huseyin Celik netted the Pioneers' third goal after he found the ball at his feet inside the 18-yard box.

Less than a minute later, the Lions were awarded a penalty kick and a chance to level the score, and Soka's Gera De La Torre stepped up to the spot. De La Torre slotted his shot into the goal and brought the score to 3-3 to send the game into overtime.

The Lions and the Pioneers played two ten-minute overtime periods, and despite both sides creating scoring opportunities, ended the match in a 3-3 draw.

"Tonight was difficult in the end, having been up 2-0 and letting the lead slip," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "The ball movement and build-up play was really good at times. And even though we scored three goals, the play in the final third and finishing can still improve. The long ball approach from Antelope Valley gave us some challenges. To concede on free kicks is something we will want to eliminate moving forward. Super proud of the team's effort tonight.  We are looking for the character and composure to move forward from here and push on with a positive finish in our final four regular-season matches."
 
The Lions return to action on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, when they host Park University Gilbert-Arizona. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
 
Game Notes: Soka outshot the Pioneers 18-11… Riley Grosso made three saves on the day… yellow cards were shown to Antelope Valley's Huseyin Celik and Soka's De La Torre and Tavarez… a red card was given to Soka's Juan Diaz.