Costa Mesa – With one second on the clock in overtime, Aiden Doherty (FR/Huntington Beach, CA) one-timed a perfectly placed pass into the right corner for his first career goal, giving Vanguard men's soccer the dramatic 1-0 non-conference victory over Bethesda Friday.
What Happened?: In a physical match that featured nine yellow cards, two red cards and a combined 31 fouls, the outcome came down to the final sequence. After a Bethesda foul, Vanguard goalkeeper Jimmy Choi stepped up with the free kick and delivered a high ball deep into the penalty box. The ball found the left foot of a sprinting Doherty, who flicked it out of the air and past Bethesda goalkeeper Higor Domingues.
Choi, who made five saves to secure his third shutout of the season, recorded the assist on the play. The Lions (4-2-1) have outscored their opponents 10-3 and have not allowed more than one goal in any of their contests.
The Flames held a 14-12 shots advantage led by five from Vitor Luiz Pereira. Stewart Alvayero (JR/Los Angeles, CA) led the Lions with five shots as well. VU was the dominant team in the overtime period with a 4-0 edge in shots, including a late flurry of attempts by Alvayero and Cameron Carlson (JR/Yorba Linda, CA).
Why Is It Important?: The win gives Vanguard momentum heading into the eight-match Golden State Athletic Conference slate. The Lion defense continues to play well behind Choi, who sports a 0.44 goals against average and .875 save percentage.
What's Next: VU will have plenty of preparation time before starting GSAC play on the road, facing The Master's on Thursday, September 30 at 1:30 p.m.
