ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Lions dropped their 2021 season home opener against Occidental College 1-0 on Wednesday evening at the Lions Den Soccer Stadium.  

The two sides remained scoreless until the Tigers converted their chance in the 65^th minute. After receiving a pass from the Occidental's Justin Kent inside the 18-yard box, Lukas Howlett converted the game-winning goal chipping his shot back post.  

Both Soka's Alex Tavarez and Noah Alexander put their shots on frame to challenge the Tigers. Tavarez's shot forced Occidental's goalkeeper Scott Drazen to come up with the save, while Alexander's first-time volley from outside of the box was blocked by the Tigers' defender Adrian Paredes. In search of the equalizer, Soka's Mikey Venezia created a dangerous scoring chance in the 81^st minute, with his shot missing wide of the goal.

"It was great to be under the lights and competing in our first collegiate match in nearly two years," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "The team was fantastic and made a late push to get the equalizer, but it just wasn't to be.  After conceding, the players' response was top-notch, and we couldn't be prouder of their efforts right to the final whistle. We did some things well tonight and limited Oxy to just a few attempts on goal. We will continue our preparations for Cal Pac Conference play and keep driving forward."

The Lions return to action on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. when they host Hope International University for their second match of the 2021 season.
 
 
Game Notes: Occidental outshot Soka 10-5. Soka's Riley Grosso made three saves on the day. Yellow cards were shown to the Tigers' Sebastian Romero and the Lions' Alex Tavarez.