ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions defeated the Keelhaulers of Cal State University, Maritime 2-1 on Friday evening at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

Soka's Alex Tavarez tallied his first goal of the 2022 season six minutes into the match to give the Lions the early 1-0 lead. Tavarez's goal stemmed from a low-driven shot by Bryan Palpallatoc from just outside the 18-yard box. Cal Maritime's Nathan Witte was forced to make the acrobatic save, turning away Palpallatoc's attempt. However, Tavarez read the game perfectly, framed the goal, and slotted his shot into the back of the net.

In the 60^th minute of play, the Keelhaulers were awarded a free kick from thirty-five yards out. The service was played inside the Lions' six-yard box, and while initially defended, the ball was not cleared and landed at the feet of Cal Maritime's Nikil Hunter, who drove his shot into the goal, netting the equalizer.

Less than ten minutes later, Palpallatoc connected with Tavarez in the attacking third. Tavarez slipped his pass to Jesus Cabrera on the left flank. Cabrera took a touch inside, saw his opportunity, and bent his shot low and into the back post, converting the game-winning goal at the 68:24 minute mark. 

Soka's Tavarez led the team taking 11 shots, while Noah Alexander, Chase Buchert, and Luis Barraza each took four shots on the day. The Lions took a combined 37 shots overall, forcing the Keelhaulers' Witte to make twelve saves on the day.

"We left frustrated after this one," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "Having 37 shots, we definitely came up way short in the score line. There was some great soccer in the buildup and midfield tonight, but we were wasteful in the final third. We managed to get three points and now look to do the same in the match against Pacific Union on Sunday."

Next, the Lions host the Pacific Union College Pioneers on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
 
 
Game Notes: The Lions are now 2-5-3 overall and 2-2-1 in Cal Pac Conference play… Soka outshot Cal Maritime 37-1… Eric Aparicio made one save on the day… The Lions earned 11 corner kicks but could not convert any scoring opportunities they generated off the set pieces.