GLENDALE, Ariz. – Arizona Christian scored twice within a two-minute span of the second half to hand Vanguard a 2-0 defeat in Golden State Athletic Conference men's soccer action on Thursday night.

The Lions were shutout for only the second time this season, despite holding a 17-11 advantage in shots and 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

Arizona Christian goalkeeper Carlos Gallardo saved all five shots VU put on goal as he posted his fourth shutout of the season. Edwin Monterrosa (FR/Los Angeles, CA) made three saves for the Lions.

Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA) led VU with four shots, while Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA) had three.

The foul count was 16-13 VU and three yellow cards were issued to each side.

What Happened?: Vanguard outshot ACU 8-3 in the first half and appeared to be controlling the possession battle, but things escalated quickly as the clock dipped under 20 minutes remaining in the game.

Aiden Abbitt dispossessed the Lions on their end and took off toward the midline. He sent a long through ball to Ethan Molter, who outraced two Lion defenders and took a sliding shot that deflected backwards off of a charging Monterrosa and into the net as ACU led 1-0 at the 70:34 mark.

It was the first time in four GSAC games that VU conceded the initial goal. It appeared to deflate the Blue and Gold, as the Firestorm struck again less than two minutes later.

A VU player inadvertently knocked down ACU's Mario Hanna for a foul. Near the left sideline from around 25 yards out, Abbitt delivered a bending free kick that caught Monterrosa in no-man's land, as the shot short hopped and skipped past the VU netminder and into the left side of the net.

The Lions managed just one shot over the final 17 and a half minutes as the Firestorm claimed just their second win in 14 all-time meetings against the Blue and Gold.

VU had some solid opportunities to build a lead in the first half but could not capitalize. Gallardo stopped Lucah Flores (SO/Frisco, TX) on a 1v1 attempt in the 11th minute. In the 17th minute, Robert Ronco (FR/San Diego, CA) got free inside the six-yard box, but his shot went high.

Robles hit a free kick over the ACU wall and toward goal in the 22nd minute, but Gallardo corralled the spinning shot at the near post. Harold Aguirre (SR/Long Beach, CA)'s laser went off the crossbar in the 38th minute.

The Firestorm flirted with taking the lead in the first half as Hanna's left-footed volley banged off the crossbar.

VU came out with good energy to start the second half and nearly parlayed a couple of opportunities into scores.

In the 47th minute, Ronco made a dangerous run up the right side and his shot to the far post peeled just wide as Gallardo cut off just enough on the angle.

Alvayero, who entered the game for the first time after intermission, made his presence felt with three shots over an 11-minute span.

The first of those three attempts was the most dangerous.

Near the left corner, Ronco popped a pass skyward that Alvayero timed perfectly, hitting a sideways volley that Gallardo leaped to save in the 58th minute.

Rivas skimmed the crossbar in the 63rd minute as VU averted danger, but the Firestorm finally converted a handful of minutes later to send VU to defeat.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions are now in a tie for fourth in GSAC play with Westmont at seven points. VU is five points behind league-leading OUAZ, which has 12 points.

What's Next?: Vanguard finishes up its roadtrip in the Grand Canyon state against first place and 24th-ranked OUAZ. Kickoff is scheduled this Saturday for 12:30 p.m.