GLENDALE, Ariz. — A second-half goal was the difference as the Soka University men's soccer team fell 1–0 at Arizona Christian on Thursday.
Neither side broke through in a scoreless opening half, with goalkeeper Jacob Warren turning away a pair of Jose Garcia efforts in the 18th minute and David Olivas twice testing the Arizona Christian defense late in the half. Warren made another save on Nathan Tchiakpe in the 62nd minute, but Garcia found the net moments later, in the 63rd minute, for the only goal of the match.
Soka responded with immediate pressure, as Alireza Sotoudeh delivered three straight corner kicks between the 65th and 66th minutes. The Lions kept coming late, with Aidan Sandoval forcing a save out of Arizona Christian goalkeeper Emiliano Vega in the 75th minute and Jake Davis and Olivas both getting looks in the 83rd minute.
Warren finished with 3 saves in goal, while Vega made 2 for Arizona Christian. Olivas led Soka with four shots, and the Lions were nearly even with the hosts in both shots, 14–12, and corner kicks, 7–6. Arizona Christian played the final 13 minutes a man down after a red card in the 77th minute.
Soka moved to 5-6-2 overall and 4-5-2 in GSAC play.
