ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions dropped their final match of the season against the Firebirds 4-1 on Saturday night at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

The Firebirds were the first to get on the scoreboard 22 minutes into the match, but Soka answered back ten minutes later to level the score. Soka's goal stemmed from a cross by Samantha Barrera on the right flank. Barrera's service found Araceli Soto-Garcia, who slotted her shot low and into the right corner of the goal, capping off a phenomenal tenure with the Lions by scoring her 32nd career goal.

The University of Saint Katherine responded six minutes later, scoring the go-ahead goal, followed by netting insurance goals in the 67th and 80 minutes of play to bring the final score to 4-1.

The Firebirds outshot the Lions 13-7. Soka's Mackenzie Stenstrom made five saves on the day.

"Our game tonight was full of energy, from the team's performance to the crowd of alumni showing their support," said Head Coach Wendy Espejel. "It was great to see a senior score on senior night. The adversity this team has faced this year and the response that followed will be foundational for years to come. It is an honor to lead these amazing women."

The Lions finished their season 3-12-2 overall and 3-8-1 in Cal Pac Conference Play.
 

Before the start of the match, Soka honored its four graduating seniors, Micaela Lafrenz, Sasha Brafman, Roxana Ortiz, and Araceli Soto-Garcia.

Micaela Lafrenz- "During her career as a Lion, she has played in 29 games, recording 15 starts and two assists. Her strengths include her ability to read the game in the midfield and winning the vast majority of her 50/50 challenges. Not only has Micaela made an impact on the field, but she has also served as a captain this season. Off the field, Micaela is pursuing a concentration in Life Sciences and plans to go to medical school to follow her dreams of being a surgeon. Aside from academics and soccer, Micaela also serves as the Vice President for Soka's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee." – Head Coach Wendy Espejel

Roxana Ortiz- "Roxana has played a vital role in the Lions' attack during her career, playing predominantly on the wing. Throughout her time with the Lions, she has played in 44 games and has tallied nine goals and ten assists. She has a contagious competitive spirit that always motivates those around her to work hard. Roxana is currently studying Social and Behavioral Sciences and plans to attain her master's in counseling psychology with an emphasis on Latino or bilingual counseling." – Head Coach Wendy Espejel

Sasha Brafman- "Sasha is a versatile player who has made an incredibly positive impact on the program. During her time on the field, she has played in 33 games and has recorded four goals and five assists. Along with being a pivotal piece to the Lions' midfield, Sasha also stepped up and played in goal for the Lions and recorded 33 saves. Sasha is currently pursuing a concentration in Life Sciences and plans to take some time off after graduating and intends to look into programs for studying nutrition and holistic health." – Head Coach Wendy Espejel

Araceli Soto-Garcia- "Araceli has enormously impacted this program during her time as a Lion. Araceli's accolades include Cal Pac Conference Freshman of the Year honors, Cal Pac Conference First Team, Women's Soccer Most Outstanding Player, Cal Pac Conference Offensive Player of the Week, and NAIA Offensive Player of the Week. Araceli has played 47 games for the Lions and recorded an outstanding 32 goals with 15 assists. She recorded 94 shots throughout her career and scored eight game-winning goals. Araceli is pursuing a concentration in Life Sciences and planning to pursue her dream of playing professional soccer." – Head Coach Wendy Espejel