ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — The Soka University Lions earned their first win of the season on Saturday morning after defeating the Arizona Christian Firestorm 3-2 at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium.

The Firestorm were the first ones to get on the board, making a fast break for the goal scoring within the first minute. The Lions answered back in the 22nd minute on a penalty kick from Hope Suka. Arizona Christian countered at the 36th minute finding the net to get the lead, 2-1. With only a few minutes left in the half, Kohtaro Goto leveled the score at 2-2. Goto capitalized on the opportunity created by Suka and David Olivas. 

Both teams pressed in the second half, taking a combined seven shots, and eight corner kicks. Mateus Seiki Rosa broke the forty-five minute deadlock in the 86th minute to put the Lions up, 3-2.

"It was nice to end up with the victory after we gifted them two goals in the first half," said head coach Shawn Beyer. "Today, there were clear signs of the progress that we need to reach our ultimate goals.  We defended more compact and closed spaces quicker.  We are happy for the players that they could get a win today.  They get one day rest and back at it for the match against a strong Azusa Pacific side on Wednesday night."