THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Cal Lutheran men's soccer kicked off the 2024 season with an epic come-from-behind victory, dominating the second half of their match against Willamette for a 2-1 victory over the Bearcats. 

After surrendering the match's first goal, the Kingsmen flipped the switch at halftime, scoring two unanswered goals to erase the deficit and come out with the win. 

With the score knotted at 1-1, Max Scott delivered the game-winning goal in the 87th minute, sending the Kingsmen bench into a frenzy. 

Down 1-0, JP Melgoza found the back of the net for the equalizer in the 68th minute. The Kingsmen (1-0) put pressure on the Bearcats (0-1) from the opening horn of the second half and finally reaped the benefits thanks to a beautiful goal by Melgoza. 

But the Kingsmen weren't content playing to a draw. They continued to put their foot on the gas resulting in more opportunities, and Scott delivered. 

In the 71st minute, goalie Gen Katashiba made perhaps the most crucial play of the match, diving to his right to save a penalty kick by the Bearcats to keep the score knotted at 1-1 and change the tide of momentum to the Kingsmen side. 

An energizing start to the season has the Kingsmen looking to make it a 2-0 start to the young year. They remain at home to take on Soka University on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m.