Costa Mesa – Marc Trejo (SR/Santa Ana, CA) and Cameron Carlson (JR/Yorba Linda, CA) recorded second half goals to help Vanguard overcome an early deficit and upend No. 19 OUAZ, 2-1, in a Golden State Athletic Conference men's soccer match on Thursday.
The Lions improved to 6-3-1 and 2-1 in the GSAC. It is the second straight comeback win for VU, which has won four of its last five overall. The Spirit fell to 8-4-0 overall and 1-3-0 in conference action.
What Happened?: Vanguard scored the game-clinching goal in the 64th minute on a series of passes that led to Carlson's first career goal. The Lions controlled possession at midfield as Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA) got the ball to Trejo, who threaded a perfect through ball past three OUAZ defenders to a sprinting Nathaniel Gomez (SO/Dominguez, CA). Gomez then hit a cross into the box as a converging Carlson and OUAZ defender Thomas Monayer collided and fell to the ground. The ball ricocheted off another Spirit defender – and on the ensuing bounce – Carlson popped up, stuck his right foot out and knocked one in to the right side.
The first half was evenly played but the Lions found themselves in a 1-0 deficit when Jamaine Turner struck for his fifth goal of the season. OUAZ midfielder Tom Cohen crossed the ball into the box, and Turner pounced after Jimmy Choi deflected the initial service hockey style with his left foot. Turner's header went near post to give the Spirit a 1-0 lead at 25:38.
It was all Lions though in the second half. VU held OUAZ without a shot in the second frame, shutting down a Spirit offense which had shutout William Jessup, 8-0, in its previous contest. The Lions depth in the back showed as they wore down OUAZ over the course of the second half.
Vanguard equalized in the 58th minute as Trejo lined up a free kick from about 20 yards out, nailing a shot to the upper right corner for his second goal of the season.
The game got more physical and contentious from there as five of the six total yellow cards in the contest were issued in the second period.
Choi made two first half saves to keep VU close at the break. The Lions ended up outshooting the Spirit, 8-5. OUAZ was whistled for 20 fouls compared to 14 for VU.
Why Is It Important?: Vanguard defeated an NAIA top-25 opponent for the first time since Oct. 6, 2018, a 2-1 double overtime triumph at No. 25 Westmont. The Lions also took over sole possession of second place in the GSAC, one game behind league leader Arizona Christian.
What Was Said: "Today was a matchup of a team that has made the GSAC final and has been on the cusp of making the national tournament," said head Coach Randy Dodge. "It was a great game that came down to our depth as a program. We played a very solid game for 90 minutes and I am super proud of my boys."
What's Next: It's a battle for first place in the GSAC as 3-0 Arizona Christian visits Vanguard on Saturday, October 9 for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. The Firestorm are receiving votes in the latest NAIA poll.
