SANTEE, Calif. – The Lions (4-3, 2-3) got back into the winner's column as they bested San Diego Christian by a 3-2 score. This loss drops the Hawks to a 5-4 record overall and 1-3 in conference games. Vanguard has one game remaining this year while SDC has a pair against Westmont.
What Happened? The Blue and Gold fired off the first two shots of the game, but Alex Gonzalez (SO/Anaheim, CA) could not find the back of the net. San Diego Christian took the next two shots, but nothing came of it. After a foul was called on Vanguard inside the box, the Hawks were awarded a penalty kick which Jesus Garcia sank in the 11th minute. As the Lions continued to put pressure on SDC, they gained the equalizer on a swift kick from Nathaniel Gomez (FR/Dominguez, CA) at the 23:39 mark. The tie was sealed through the halftime intermission and was broken in the 75th minute by Andrew Robles (JR/Tustin, CA), assisted by Joey Barry (SR/Laguna Hills, CA). The Pride added another tally as Marc Trejo (JR/Santa Ana, CA) scored via assist from Austin Tubbs (SO/Long Beach, CA). The third goal would prove to be the game winner as SDC scored with just over one minute to go.
Why It's Important? Today's road win helps the Lions stop a two-game skid and brings them to a winning record heading into their eighth and final game next week. Vanguard is 24-2-1 all-time against the Hawks including winners of eight of the last nine. During that stretch, they outscored San Diego Christian 37- 7.
Top Performers: Gomez took a game high four shots and put a game high three on frame. All three goals were scored by different players as well as both assists being credited to an additional two Lions. They outshot the opposition 13-7 and put more shots on goal than the Hawks had in total. Vanguard had a 3-2 edge in corner kicks while SDC had twice as many fouls as the Pride. Alex Penaloza (SR/Santa Ana, CA) and James Choi (JR/Irvine, CA) split the two halves in goal with the duo allowing one goal each and totaling three saves.
What they Said: Head Coach Randy Dodge - "In a must win game on the road in really difficult conditions the boys played great. Going down 1-0 on a PK and to rally against the wind and get two goals was great. We are getting better and better as the season progresses. Hopefully we can pull off another away win next week and see where we are at for playoffs."
What's Next: Thursday, April 1st at Hope International University at the OC Great Park starting at 7:30 p.m.
#ClawsUp
