ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions dropped their home match against the Westcliff Warriors on Thursday evening at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

With end-to-end play throughout the game, the Warriors snuck in their first goal in the 32^nd minute. However, the Lions responded with a well-placed finish from Mikey Venezia twenty minutes later. The Lions' equalizer stemmed from Josh Lee connecting with Jesus Cabrera in the 53^rd minute of play. Cabrera then laid his pass back to Venezia outside the 18-yard box, who blasted his shot into the goal beyond the reach of Westcliff's goalkeeper Noah Schwengeler.

The Warriors' Alessandro Lagona converted the game-winner in the 68^th minute, bringing the final score to 2-1.

"The team was fantastic tonight," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "We are gutted not to get the result. The way we executed the game plan and created chances were superb. We are so very proud of them. The team can have their heads up after this match for sure. We quickly turn our attention to La Sierra on Sunday."

Next, Soka returns home to host La Sierra University on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
 


Game Notes: Tonight's result brings Soka's overall record to 3-7-3, and 3-4-1 in Cal Pac Conference play… the Warriors outshot the Lions 15-11… Soka's Eric Aparicio made six save on the day…yellow cards were shown to Westcliff's Karem Genc, Felix Kogler, Finn Pock, and Max Simonis.