ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions hosted the La Sierra Golden Eagles in their final game of the 2021 season, dropping the match 4-2, and ending the year with an overall record of 6-7-3 and finishing third in the Cal Pac Conference's South pod with a 4-3-1 record.

The Golden Eagles scored first, six minutes into the match, and Soka's Chase Buchert leveled the score at the 32:38-minute mark after Noah Alexander flicked his header to Mikey Venezia. Venezia crossed the ball to Buchert, and he flicked his shot into the goal.

The Golden Eagles then tallied three consecutive goals in the 54^th, 72^nd, and 76^th minutes.

With less than five minutes left in regulation play, Soka's Max Lau blasted his shot from outside the 18-yard box. Lau's shot ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced to Gera De La Torre. De La Torre hit his volley first-time bringing the final score to 4-2. De La Torre's goal brought his total career points to 104 points in three seasons.

"Senior Day and what turned out to be our final match of the season was obviously a difficult one in the end," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "With an opportunity to advance we had hoped to extend our season, but it wasn't to be. Our thoughts are with our seniors, who have given so much over their collegiate careers. Honoring them was a real pleasure and their leadership will be missed." 

Before the match, the men's soccer program honored their five graduating seniors Yuichi Kawai, Zach Engfelt, Harry Gilmer, Riley Grosso, and Gera De La Torre, in a ceremony celebrating their successes on the field, in the classroom, and throughout their communities.

Yuichi Kawai- Yuichi is a four-year varsity letter winner for the Lions. Kawai played in 23 matches for the Lions at outside back. "Each year, Yuichi has increased his contribution on and off the pitch. He is a massive part of the team's culture with his dedication, integrity, and positive attitude.  Yuichi's success goes beyond the playing field and into the classroom. The coaching staff have nothing but admiration for the character and person that Yuichi is and wish him all the best as he moves forward from his impressive time at Soka University."- Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Zach Engfelt- Zach is a four-year varsity letter winner for the Lions. Engfelt played in 47 matches in midfield and at central defense. "As a member of the defensive line, Zach has contributed valuable minutes to the team's success over the years. His leadership is noted in his consistency and readiness to perform at any time. His commitment to giving back to his community is impressive as he volunteers regularly and is an example of contributing to the betterment of the community. The coaching staff are so very grateful for Zach's dedication to the team and wish him all the best as he will leave Soka with an impressive resume in athletics and academics." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Harry Gilmer- Harry is a four-year varsity letter winner for the Lions. Gilmer played in 50 matches for the Lions as an outside back. He scored five goals and assisted in seven for a total of 17 career points. "Because of his excellent contribution to the team's success, Harry was appointed a team captain this season. Known for his intensity and dedication, he has greatly influenced the team, maintaining its high standards on and off the pitch. Harry is a four-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, having served as the Vice President and currently serving as President. After an impressive time at Soka University, the coaching staff look forward to what lies ahead for Harry, and we thank him for all the hard work he has given to the program." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Riley Grosso- Riley is a four-year varsity letter winner for the Lions. Grosso played in 25 matches for Soka between the sticks, making a combined 109 career saves. "With fantastic leadership, Riley has played every minute of every match this season. In the classroom, Riley has also excelled in the Life Sciences Concentration. He is a member of the Soka Lions for Christ bible study group and works for the Soka Athletics and Recreation Department. His ambition upon graduation is to acquire a Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Science. The coaching staff cannot thank Riley enough for his exemplary character and commitment to the Soka University men's soccer program and congratulate him on his successes on the field and in the classroom." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Gera De La Torre- Gera is a four-year varsity letter winner for the Lions. De La Torre played in 49 matches for the Lions and totaled 104 career points. "Gera has earned many accolades throughout his career, including NAIA national rankings in shots and points, and also as a leader in points for the Cal Pac Conference. Additionally, Gera has earned Cal Pac Conference Player of the Week honors and Second Team All-Cal Pac Conference. He has also been named the Most Outstanding Men's Soccer Player at the Soka Athletic Banquet. Gera's dedication to honing his talent as a goal scorer is top class, with many hours put in on his own outside of training time. As a team captain, he has led with intensity and competitive greatness.  His continual high standards follow him into the classroom. His leadership and growth over the years have been fantastic to watch.  The coaching staff wish him nothing but more success as he moves on from a very impressive playing career at Soka University." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer