THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The Cal Lutheran men's soccer team battled back to tie the game in the second half, however, La Verne would knock another goal through the net in the 74th minute for a 2-1 victory at William Rolland Stadium on Monday night.
The Kingsmen came out with a lot of energy in the first half and dominated the possession early. Nick Baldi got the shooting underway with a rocket from thirty yards out that sailed over the goal.
In the 25th minute, CLU had a golden opportunity to take the lead as Logan Cone raced out in front of the Leopard defenders and his shot hit just off the top of the crossbar. On the deflection, Zack Larson sprinted into play but a La Verne defender prevented any chance at a goal.
After a scoreless first half, the Leopards did not wait around long after play resumed as Harim Coronado fielded a pass from Nathan Gonzalez out of the corner and shot past the CLU goalie to take a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the second half.
The Kingsmen were quick to respond in the 51st minute, just three minutes later, as Gui Borini dropped the ball off to Larson who worked his magic and fired a goal to the bottom left corner of the goal to tie the game.
Although in the 74th minute, after a scramble in front of Cal Lutheran's goal, Javier Jasso won the ball and passed to Nathan Gonzalez who scored to give the Leopards the 2-1 advantage.
CLU pressed offensively in the remaining minutes but was unable to convert the tying goal. The Kingsmen outshot the Leopards 14-11 and held an edge in corner kicks 4-3. Larson led the way with five shots including two on goal, while Baldi and Gabriel Fernando had two apiece. Five other Kingsmen got a shot off in the game.
Cal Lutheran (3-5-2, 2-4-1 SCIAC) is back in action this Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m. when they take on Occidental (6-3, 3-3 SCIAC) at William Rolland Stadium.
Box Score: LV 2 - CLU 1
CLU Twitter: https://twitter.com/clusports
Follow Tal: @KingsmenSoccer1
CLU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clusports
Follow Coach Kuntz: https://www.facebook.com/soccermn
CLU Instagram: http://instagram.com/clusports#
