PHOENIX, Ariz. – Soka University men's soccer fell 3-0 to Park University Gilbert on the road after a competitive 90 minutes. The loss brings the Lions overall record to 4-6-1, and 4-4 in GSAC play.
The Lions created early opportunities through
Aidan Sandoval and
Diego Barba, who each registered shots in the first half, while
Kenneth Ugalde's set-piece deliveries kept the Park defense under pressure. Soka earned three corner kicks and stayed active in the attacking third, challenging the opposing goalkeeper with four shots on target.
After Park converted a first-half penalty and added a second goal before halftime, Soka tightened up defensively. Goalkeeper
Eric Aparicio recorded four saves, including key stops to deny headers from close range and maintain Soka's composure in the back.
The Lions continued to push forward in the closing stages, earning a late corner in the 89th minute and nearly breaking through as they sought a response.
The Lions will take on La Sierra University in Riverside on October 14
th at 7:30 p.m. before returning home to face The Master's University on Saturday, October 18
th.