Lima, Ohio -- Vanguard men's soccer took to the road for the first time this season and in a big way, heading out to Ohio for the first of a pair of games against ranked opposition. While the Racers of the University of Northwestern Ohio tried to break down the Lions, VU held the fort and got the only goal of the game from Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA) to upset the #15 team in the nation 1-0.
What Happened? It was a hot day in Lima and UNOH attacked early, holding onto the ball and getting the first shot away in the 10th minute, but James Choi (SR/Irvine, CA) made his first stop of the day.
The Lions held firm after the initial push and the squad began to grow in confidence. A corner kick for VU produced the deciding moment, as Alexander Zuluaga (SR/Garden Grove, CA) arched a beautiful cross into the box that Robles drove into the net to put the Blue and Gold ahead in the 22nd minute. UNOH tried to tie things up immediately, getting a couple of chances over the next few minutes, but Choi once more stood tall in goal. VU missed the target on their next few shots and Choi provided one more save as the half came to a close. At intermission, UNOH had outshot Vanguard 5-4, but VU held a 2-1 edge in corner kicks and a 1-0 lead.
The second half was certainly tilted in favor of the home side, as the Racers threw up 10 shots compared to just two for the Lions. Choi watched the first shot sail high just 27 seconds into the period and the VU keeper battled the rest of the half, coming up with three more saves. Once more, the Blue and Gold weathered the storm, eventually getting quality shots from Marc Trejo (SR/Santa Ana, CA) in the 72nd minute and Stewart Alvayero (JR/Los Angeles, CA) in the 78th, but the UNOH goalie blocked each one. Choi came up with a superb save in the 84th minute, as he denied a headed ball that was searching to tie the game up at 1-1. The Racers got one more shot away in the final few seconds but it sailed wide right, giving VU the win. UNOH outshot Vanguard 15-6 in the match but Choi made six saves and the team blocked a few more attempts in front of him to preserve the shutout.
What they said: "For being on the road and playing one of the top teams in the country who always finish in the top-eight every year, it was a good showing for the west coast and my young guys, " said Head Coach Randy Dodge. "Just thankful and humble to watch our guys grow up and compete for one another. Now we have to turn around and play another top NAIA team in less than 48 hours,"
Why it's important? In the rubber match of the series, Vanguard not only claims the victory but the first shutout by either side in the short history between the two schools. The Lions also knock off the #15 team in the country, a positive start to the campaign. The team will now try to do much the same to #14 and gain some attention in the NAIA rankings.
What's next: Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 a.m. pacific time, against the Warriors of Indiana Tech.
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