WHITTIER, Calif. – Jack Gominiak (1) and Kane Reese (1) scored their first goals of the season as Cal Lutheran men's soccer shut out Whittier 2-0 on Wednesday evening. The Kingsmen (5-5-2, 3-2-1 SCIAC) dominated both halves, with goals coming in the 5th and 58th minutes to secure a vital conference win.
Gominiak opened the scoring early in the 5th minute, finishing the play off a well-placed assist from Max Scott. This quick strike gave the Kingsmen momentum, and they controlled the pace throughout the first half.
Reese added a second goal in the 58th minute, converting a pass from Danny Rodriguez to double the Kingsmen's lead.
The Poets (5-4-2, 3-4 SCIAC) struggled to break through the Kingsmen defense anchored by goalkeeper Gen Katashiba, who made three saves to preserve the clean sheet. The Kingsmen were outshot by a close margin 16-13, but got eight of their shots on goal while the Poets managed just four shots on goal.
The Kingsmen defense, led by Gominiak, Lance Park, Preston Fleming, and Caleb Merrill remained firm, preventing the Poets from finding any rhythm in attack. The Poets managed 11 shots in the second half but couldn't capitalize, with their best chances being saved or blocked.
With the victory, the Kingsmen continue their push up the SCIAC standings. Their next match is a home fixture against Redlands on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
