ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka Lions remained tied 2-2 against the Buccaneers of Park University Gilbert after 90 minutes of regulation play and two ten-minute overtime periods. 

The Buccaneers were the first to get on the scoreboard 19 minutes into the match, but the Lions eventually answered back in the 77^th minute after Jesus Cabrera converted his chance inside the box. Cabrera received a cross from Luis Barraza with his chest and hit his volley low into the far post to level the score.

Three minutes later, The Buccaneers responded, netting their second goal on a quick counterattack. However, Soka's Gera De La Torre tallied the tying goal in the 86^th minute. The goal evolved after Noah Alexander played a perfectly weighted pass behind the Buccaneers' outside back to find Cabrera in stride. Cabrera served his cross to De La Torre, who placed his shot cross-keeper, equalizing and sending the match into overtime.

Despite multiple chances from both teams, the two sides remained deadlocked after 110 minutes of play, leaving the score tied at two apiece. 

"We definitely feel like we let this one get away," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "Once again we have given up the first goal and needed to come from behind twice to even the score. For me, there was only going to be one winner, but we couldn't convert on our opportunities. The effort was there, but we switched off for two plays and it cost us. To make a run at post-season we will need to eliminate those types of costly mistakes. We are still happy with where we are and confident for the upcoming matches."

Up next, the Lions host the University of Saint Katherine Firebirds on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m.
 
 
Game Notes: The Lions outshot the Buccaneers 21-13… Soka's Riley Grosso made two saves on the day… The Lions' overall record is 6-5-2, and they remain 4-1-1 in California Pacific Conference play… De La Torre's goal gives him 102 career points and 35 total points so far in the 2021 season.