ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions defeated the University of Saint Katherine Firebirds 2-0 on Saturday night at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

Soka got on the scoreboard early after Luis Barraza drew a foul inside the penalty box. Soka's team captain and PK specialist Josh Lee confidently stepped to the spot. However, when the whistle blew, Lee deceptively and seamlessly executed a Messi-to-Suárez-Esque trick pass to Mikey Venezia instead of putting his shot on goal. Venezia timed his run perfectly into the box, exuding composure and finishing his shot low and into the left corner to give the Lions the early 1-0 lead.

Lee's precision struck again in the 38th minute of play when the Firebirds' clearance found him 25-yards outside the goal. Lee drove his shot first-time, blasting it past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net, bringing the score to 2-0.

Chase Buchert led Soka's defense, while Jesus Cabrera led the team in shots, taking four on the day. The Lions outshot the Firebirds 13-11, and Soka's Eric Aparicio made three saves on the day.

"The team delivered tonight, and the seniors were phenomenal," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "What a way to go out in style with a shutout and fantastic display in front of their families, alumni, and friends. It is a night to remember, and this senior class will leave a legacy. Emotions ran over at the end as they wrapped up four years of hard work and dedication—full credit to all the team members for this incredible finish to a great season. The relationships will last along with the memories made. The future is bright with our squad growing and continuing to develop its great culture and playing style. Congratulations to the team and especially the seniors on this special occasion."

The Lions finish their season 5-9-3 overall and 5-6-1 in California Pacific Conference play. Soka currently sits in seventh place in the conference standings.
 
Before the start of the match, Soka honored its four graduating seniors, Chase Buchert, Mikey Venezia, Jesus Cabrera, and Josh Lee.

Chase Buchert- "Chase has been a huge influence on the growth of the Soka University Men's Soccer program. Because of his passing ability and tenacious defending, he has been selected to the Cal Pac All-Conference Second Team and as a Cal Pac Conference Honorable Mention honoree in 2021 and 2019, respectively. Chase played in 46 matches, scored four goals, and assisted in two. For a total of ten career points. Off the pitch, he has represented Soka Athletics as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He also sits as the chair of the Student-Athlete Council for the California Pacific Conference. Chase is pursuing a Humanities concentration. This thoughtful young man has a bright future that will likely see him moving into Graduate school and continuing to play the game he is so gifted at." – Head Coach, Shawn Beyer

Mikey Venezia- "Mikey has helped lead the Lions forward with his great composure, intelligent playing style, and work ethic. He has played in 40 games, scored three goals, and assisted in five for 11 points. Mikey leads by example and is an absolute joy to be around. His recent goal against Westcliff will be a great memory for us all. He is the type of person who shows up daily with a wonderful attitude and puts forth his best efforts every time he represents the team. Mikey serves as a representative for Soka's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is pursuing a concentration in Life Sciences." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Jesus Cabrera- "Jesus has a super high work rate and has been a mainstay in the Soka lineup all four years. He played in 49 matches, scored seven goals, and assisted in eight for 22 career points. His relentless effort and wing play have been a massive reason for the team's success during his time at Soka. His leadership is so valuable, and with that, we know he will only find success in the future.Jesus is a player who leads by example, as he is always ready to give his maximum effort. He is pursuing a concentration in Humanities." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Josh Lee- "Josh will leave as one of the most influential members of the Lions program in recent times. Josh played in 45 matches, scored four goals, and assisted in seven for a total of 15 points. His composure, intelligence, and wonderful passing make him the team's possession-style fulcrum. He has led and captained the team with incredible character and remarkable poise. He is able to remain calm when the intensity rises and manages himself with professionalism at all times. Josh serves as a member of Soka's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Josh is pursuing a concentration in Life Sciences, and we know he will have an extremely successful future." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer