ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions defeated UC Merced 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Lions' Den stadium in their Senior Game match, bringing their overall record to 8-5-1 and 7-3 in Cal Pac Conference play.

The Lions netted the game-winning goal at the 15:19 minute mark. The goal evolved from a ball passed down the touchline by Jared Chavez. Chavez's pass connected with JP Dufour, who crossed his service mid-goal where Luis Barraza converted his chance with a sliding finish into the upper right corner of the goal.

The two sides provided end-to-end action for the remainder of the match, with Soka creating several clinical sequences to produce scoring chances.

Soka's defensive efforts from their backline of Noah Alexander, Bryan Palpallatoc, Martin Mondala, David Olivas, and goalkeeper Eric Aparicio, combined with the Lions' central midfielders Nicholas Bello, Jared Chavez, and Adalid Oregon's ability to close down the opposition, along with the entire team's collective defensive work throughout the match consistently denied the Bobcats of leveling the score.
  
"This was a massive win for sure," said Head Coach Shawn Beyer. "We are so proud of how the team bounced back from a tough match less than 48 hours ago. UC Merced is a really good side, and they dominated the second half. It took everyone's defensive commitment to protect our lead. Being senior day makes it all the better for our graduating class. We will need to possess better and capitalize on counterattacks if we are going to make improvements. If we do that, our chances of a postseason run will increase. Our goal is to continue improving until the last game of the season."

Next, the Lions will travel to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for their match on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. MT / 2:30 p.m. PT.
                                                                                                                                                                                         

Before the start of the match, Soka honored its five graduating seniors: Noah Alexander, Bryan Palpallatoc, Nicholas Bello, Jared Chavez, and Alex Tavarez.

Noah Alexander- Noah has played in 44 matches so far for Soka, scored five goals, and assisted in 11, earning 21 points. Noah was named to the All Cal Pac Conference Second Team in 2022 and the Cal Pac Honorable Mention Team in 2021. He was also named Cal Pac Conference Defensive Player of the Week last season and received the Newcomer of the Year Award for Soka Men's Soccer in 2021. Noah has also served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "Noah has helped lift the men's soccer program to new heights with his incredible leadership, consistent top-level play, and high-quality character. He has been an example of what an ideal student-athlete can be. After graduation, Noah will pursue his goal of practicing physical therapy with elite athletes. With a concentration in Life Sciences, Noah is excellent in the classroom and is always willing to do the extra work behind the scenes; as he has also worked as a student employee for Soka's Athletics administration for the past two years, where he has made an indelible mark on the department. Humility, Intelligence, and Hard work are just a few words to describe who Noah is as a person, as he is someone the team and athletics department can always count on. We wish him all the best in his next chapter as he will leave as one of the most influential student-athletes in recent years." –Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Bryan Palpallatoc- So far, Bryan has played in 47 matches, scored four goals, and assisted in 13, for 21 points as a Lion. Bryan was named to the Cal Pac Conference Honorable Mention Team in 2022, received the Teammate of the Year award, and earned College Sports Communicators Association's NAIA Men's Soccer Academic All-District Team and Daktronic Scholar-Athlete honors, as well as earning Cal Pac Conference Defensive player of the week honors during the 2021 season. "Bryan has positively influenced the team on and off the pitch for four years. His hard work and leadership abilities saw him captain the team for the last two years, and his ability to convert free kicks to goals and deliver quality crosses has helped the team win some very important matches. His likable personality and thoughtfulness have helped build the team culture. Bryan is concentrating in Life Sciences and has interned with our Sports Medicine Department. He is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has spent time helping the team and athletic department move their initiatives forward. We wish him the best of luck and know he will be successful in his future endeavors." –Head Coach Shawn Beyer  

Nicholas Bello- So far, Nick has played in 27 matches for Soka, scoring two goals for a total of four points. "The coaching staff would like to thank Nick for contributing to the Men's Soccer program over the past four years. His strong personality and competitiveness have influenced the team to strive for high standards and expectations. Nick is a Soka's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member and has earned Daktronic Scholar-Athlete and NAIA Athletics Communicators Association Academic All-District honors. Nick was recruited as a goalkeeper but showed versatility by playing as a center-back during his time at Soka. His work in the classroom is top notch as he will graduate with a concentration in Life Science and move on to Dental School. We wish Nick all the best, and congratulations on a job very well done." –Head Coach Shawn Beyer

Jared Chavez-  So far, Jared has played in 31 matches for Soka, scored three goals, and assisted in one, earning seven points as a Lion. "The Men's soccer program would like to thank Jared for his four years with the team. An intelligent player and student, he has helped the team as an outside back and defensive midfielder with his composure and quick thinking. In his final season, he persevered in overcoming an injury to full fitness. We are so pleased with his commitment to the team over the years and wish him all the best as he will graduate with a concentration in Life Science." –Head Coach Shan Beyer.

Alex Tavarez- Alex has played in 25 career matches, scored eight career goals, and had three assists, earning 20 points as a Lion. "We wish Alex all the best in his next chapter after Soka. Though unable to contribute in the matches this season, he has remained close to the team and has been a valuable squad member. He has a great ability on the ball and influences the offense with his creativity. Alex is concentrating in Life Sciences, and he looks to continue his academic career while continuing to play soccer in Grad school." – Head Coach Shawn Beyer