THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Their new home proved to be sweet today as the Cal Lutheran men's soccer team defeated Pacific (Ore.) 2-1 before more than 400 fans to kick off their 2012 campaign.
Although Pacific controlled the ball much of the opening half, the Kingsmen led at the break and added a second goal while looking to tough defense, from the returning duo of Ivan Sanchez and Enrique Zaragoza who teamed up with newcomers Thiago Gaglianone and Alex Wardle, in the win.
In the 30th minute senior forward Raul Yepez picked up where he left off a year ago by scoring the first CLU goal of the season. After beating the goalie, 15 yards in front of the cage, Yepez tapped the ball into the net, sparking the crowd and sending the bench into a frenzy. Luis Santana was credited with the assist.
After the intermission sophomore David Lee converted a penalty kick, giving CLU a two-goal advantage in the 61st minute. Yepez was taken down in the box resulting in the free chance.
The Boxers looked to sophomore forward Mark Watson for the lone Pacific score of the game with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation. Ian Farley was credited with the assist.
CLU fired off 18 shots with 10 on goal. Sanchez led the squad with six while Yepez tallied five. Kyle Fleming returned from an injury and finished the day with two shots, both on goal.
Pacific took 12 total shots with eight on goal. Watson, Quintin Love and Garrick Knowles had two apiece.
Appearing in the Violet and Gold for the first time today were Gaglianone, Wardle, Salvatore Baldi, Nathan Davidson and Pedro Guillen.
Following the game head coach Dan Kuntz shared his thoughts. With today's victory, Coach Kuntz is one shy of 200 for his career.
Cal Lutheran will travel east to play a pair of games in Pennsylvania on Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8 against Randolph and Hampden-Sydney, respectively. Kick offs are slated for 4:00 p.m. (PST) and 8:00 a.m. (PST).
Box Score: CLU 2, PU 1
