ALISO VIEJO, CA-  The Soka University Lions defeated the Red Hawks of Simpson University 3-2 Friday evening at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

The scoring started early, with Simpson tallying their first goal off of a misdirected clearance by the Lions in the second minute, resulting in an own goal.

However, Soka's Cienna Irwin converted the equalizer in the sixth minute with a perfectly placed shot into the upper 90. The goal stemmed from a pass by Taylor Hampton, who dropped her pass back to Irwin, who fired her shot into the goal. This was Irwin's first goal of the season and second career goal. 

Five minutes later, Mallorie Barteau tallied Soka's second goal to give her side the 2-1 advantage for the remainder of the first half.

In the 53^rd minute, Kamry Aragon buried her chance from inside the 18-year box, netting what would prove to be the game-winning goal, as Simpson would score off of a free kick in the 68^th minute, bringing the final score to 3-2.

"I am proud of the team for the result tonight," said Head Coach Wendy Espejel. "The response after the first goal showed our fight and carried the rest of the game. Our focus is now on UC Merced, and how we bounce back the next day will play a huge role in our preparedness on Sunday."

Next, the Lions will host the UC Merced Bobcats in their Senior Game home match on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 pm. Senior Day celebrations and recognition will begin at 3:40 pm. 
 


NOTES: The Lions are now 5-6-3 overall and 3-2-3 in Cal Pac Conference play… Soka took nine shots on the day, while Simpson took 13… Soka's Mackinzie Stenstrom made five saves on the day… yellow cards were shown to Soka's Ashley Aranda and Sabrina Benjamin.