Costa Mesa – Stewart Alvayero (JR/Los Angeles, CA) scored three first half goals in a 15-minute span to lead Vanguard men's soccer to a 5-0 shutout of Saint Katherine on Tuesday. Marc Trejo (SR/Santa Ana, CA) and Levi Mireles (FR/Grass Valley, CA) also notched goals for the Lions.
What Happened?: Vanguard dominated the pitch from start to finish with the five goal offensive surge, its highest output since netting six goals against Ottawa (Ariz.) on Oct. 26, 2019. The five goals more than doubled the four VU scored in its previous five contests.
The Lions outshot the Firebirds 21-1, led by Alvayero's seven attempts, and held a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Alyavero got things started in the 12th minute with his first goal on an assist from Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA). Alyavero struck again just over four minutes later with his second goal of the content, and completed his first career hat trick at the 26:28 mark with a rocket from distance. Markus Garcia (SO/Corona, CA) earned the assist. Alvayero's day was through with the 3-0 lead – and Trejo, his replacement – quickly made the score 4-0 off of a nice pass from Alexander Zuluaga (SR/Garden Grove,CA).
The Lions substituted freely throughout the remainder of the half and game. Starting goalie James Choi (SR/Irvine, CA), who earned his third win in goal this season, was replaced by Jackson Swindle (JR/Brea, CA) to start the second half. VU allowed its only shot to Saint Katherine in the 71st minute as Swindle smothered for the save.
The Vanguard bench erupted for teammate Levi Mireles, who notched his first career goal in his first collegiate appearance. With the clock winding down and two second remaining in the match, Mireles latched onto a pass from Andrew Sanchez (FR/Broomfield, CO) and poked the ball past goalkeeper Brock Hendrickson.
Why Is It Important? The hat trick by Alvayero was the 21st in school history, and first since Luke Kadillak accomplished the feat on Oct. 3, 2015. He is the 11th Lion player to score at least three goals in a game.
What's Next: The Lions look to continue their momentum on Friday, September 17 with a home matches against Bethesda. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
