THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran men's soccer's season came to an end in the first round of the SCIAC Tournament on Tuesday evening, as the four-seeded Kingsmen fell 2-1 to the fifth-seeded Chapman. 

The Kingsmen finished with a 6-9-5 (4-5-3 SCIAC) record and made their fourth-straight postseason tournament appearance After claiming a win and a draw over the Panthers (6-8-5, 4-5-3 SCIAC) during their two regular-season matchups, the Kingsmen were bested in their third matchup with Chapman. 

The Kingsmen started strong with Jack Gominiak breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute, slotting home his third goal of the season from JP Melgoza's assist to give the Kingsmen a 1-0 lead. The first half closed with the purple and gold in control, but the Panthers rallied for two second-half goals. 

Both Panther goals came just over 10 minutes apart early in the second half. Not even 30 seconds after the break, the Panthers capitalized on a cross that found a forward open in the box, who pushed it to the far post to level the score.

With momentum building, Chapman struck again 10 minutes later. A long throw-in led to a quick turn and left-footed shot that found the back of the net to put the Panthers ahead 2-1, a goal that would prove to be the game-winner. 

Despite consistent offensive pressure and numerous late chances, the Kingsmen came up just short of an equalizer to force overtime. 

Senior keeper Gen Katashiba capped off a great season with five saves in the match. The Kingsmen put up 13 shots, as Joel Wollin and Melgoza led the team with three shots each, Gominiak was next with two, and Danny Rodriguez, Maximo Schelotto, Caleb Merrill, Max Scott, and Jackson Endsley all mustering one. 

The Kingsmen fought hard to the end but couldn't find the equalizer against a determined Chapman squad. The season may be over, but Cal Lutheran made its mark with another strong season and postseason appearance.