ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — The Soka University men's soccer team rallied from an early deficit to defeat Westcliff University 2–1 on Saturday, getting second-half goals from
Hope Suka and
David Olivas to complete the comeback.
Westcliff opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Alex Hernandez converted off an assist from Victor Quintana Antillon, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead. Soka answered in the 62nd minute, as
Hope Suka converted a penalty kick to level the match at 1–1. The Lions took the lead for good in the 75th minute when
David Olivas found the net off an assist from
Bryce Lanton, making it 2–1.
Westcliff held the edge in shots for the match, finishing with 22 to Soka's 7, and led 10–4 in shots on goal. Soka goalkeeper
Jacob Warren was the difference-maker between the posts, turning aside 9 shots on the afternoon, including 6 saves in the second half alone, to keep the Lions in front. Westcliff goalkeeper Olly Scott finished with 2 saves.
Westcliff also won the corner kick battle, 4–1, and had a slight edge in fouls committed, 21 to 20. Despite being outshot for most of the match, Soka made its opportunities count to secure the 2–1 win.
