SURPRISE, Ariz. – Battling the elements and the nationally-ranked OUAZ men's soccer team, Vanguard conquered both and departed Spirit Field on Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 victory in tow.

The win knocked 24th-ranked OUAZ from first place to second in the Golden State Athletic Conference and thrust the Lions into sole possession of fourth with 10 points. Hope International now leads the GSAC with 14 points, followed by OUAZ with 12 and Arizona Christian with 11.

It was VU's first win over a ranked opponent this season. The Lions improved to 5-2-3 overall and 3-1-1 in conference play. The Spirit fell to 9-4-1 and 4-2 in league action.

The game featured a little bit of everything with an own goal, two penalty kick goals and a lightning delay in the second half which lasted nearly an hour. The Lions also dealt with off and on rain.

VU got goals from Joey Barry (SR/Laguna Hills, CA) and Nathaniel Gomez (JR/Dominguez, CA) to move to 4-0 in the all-time series against the Spirit, including three consecutive wins by one goal.

What Happened?: The Lions struck first in the 19th minute following an OUAZ foul about 35 yards from goal next to the right sideline. Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA) took the free kick, bending his offering into the middle of the box. The ball took a fortuitous bounce off the head of OUAZ defender Thomas Monayer and into the goal. Robert Ronco (FR/San Diego, CA) was in the area and put pressure on the back line to make a play, and the botched deflection gave VU a 1-0 lead at the 18:15 mark.

Another OUAZ foul led to the second Lions goal just under 17 minutes later. OUAZ's Aleem Barclay threw his shoulder into Markus Garcia (JR/Corona, CA), knocking him down near the right corner flag.

That gave Robles another free kick opportunity, and he positioned his pass into nearly the exact same spot as the first goal, but this time Barry connected, steering his header to the lower left of the goal. Barry, who scored his first goal of the season, increased VU's lead to 2-0. Robles picked up his third assist of the year.

VU took the 2-0 lead into halftime, owning a 6-4 advantage in shots.

OUAZ nearly cut the lead in half four minutes into the second period when Mark Lydford collided with VU goalie Edwin Monterrosa (FR/Los Angeles, CA) going for a 50-50 ball in the box. Ledford got to the ball just before Monterrosa, sending a header just wide of the goal.

Ronco, who pestered the OUAZ defense all afternoon, had a breakaway on goal and got taken down just inches outside the 18. Instead of a penalty kick, the Lions settled for another Robles free kick, and his shot went over the six-man wall and high.

OUAZ got another break a minute and a half later as the home team halved VU's lead. Robles was whistled for a tripping foul on Bido Elmasry inside the box, awarding a penalty kick to the Spirit.

Tituoan Desveaux stepped to the spot and converted the PK to make it a 2-1 game.

The goal reignited OUAZ, but three minutes later the game was stopped due to lightning in the area at the 57:51 mark. The two teams were delayed for close to an hour before play resumed.

The stoppage in play seemed to benefit the Lions, who regrouped and increased the lead back to two in the 70th minute.

Christopher Sanchez (SO/Santa Ana, CA) stripped the ball from an OUAZ player and sent a pass out wide to Barry in the left corner. Barry hit a cross that bounced past a couple of Spirit defenders and off VU's Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA), finding Gomez for a sideways volley inside the far post.

It was the second goal of the season for Gomez. Alvayero was credited with his GSAC leading seventh assist.

The Lions continued to press with four more shots in the next several minutes, but Monterrosa leapt to tip a Esmalry shot over the crossbar in the 76th minute. On the ensuing corner kick, Manoyer sent a dangerous pass to the far post, but Desveaux's header went wide.

With just over three minutes to play, OUAZ benefitted from a miscue by Monterrosa. Monterrosa fielded a routine long pass into the box, but shoved Esmalry to the ground as he looked to intercept the ball.

The referee called a foul and awarded OUAZ's second penalty kick of the afternoon. Jamaine Turner buried the shot to the bottom right corner to cut the Blue and Gold lead to 3-2.

However, the VU defense kept OUAZ off the board the rest of the way, earning the hard fought victory.

VU finished with a 19-14 advantage in shots. OUAZ held the 10-3 edge in corner kicks. Salama made seven saves for the Spirit, while Monterrosa stopped three shots for the Lions.

Garcia led VU with seven shots. Desveaux had five shots for OUAZ.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions are still in contention for a GSAC regular season title with three straight home games upcoming.

What Was Said?: "The guys came on and put the work in on a top rated team," said Head Coach Jesus Miramontes. "We battled through rain and other elements out here in Arizona. These guys fought hard and they were rewarded in the end. I'm proud of this team."

"Today's win was a great way to end this Arizona trip after a tough loss on Thursday," said Gomez. "We all showed up ready for business and went to battle for each other, our families who traveled alongside us and for the ones who watch from above!"

What's Next?: Three straight home games in an eight-day span await the Lions. Westmont visits VU Soccer Field on Thursday, October 20 with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m.