TEMECULA, Calif. – Golden State Athletic Conference play started Saturday for Vanguard men's soccer as the Lions traveled to Temecula to face San Diego Christian.  The Blue and Gold used three goals over 16 minutes of action to pull away from the Hawks, eventually winning the game 3-1.  The Lions will improve to 3-1-2 overall and go to 1-0 in conference play.  The Hawks will drop to 2-6-2 overall and 0-1 in conference action.

What Happened?
It was an impressive first half for the Lions, as the squad put the Hawks into a tight spot early on.  Markus Garcia (JR/Corona, CA) got the opening shot of the game 1:16 into the contest even though it missed high.  VU got three corners in quick succession but only on the last attempt did the Lions get a shot, as Robert Ronco (FR/San Diego, CA) sent his header wide. 

Edwin Monterrosa (FR/Los Angeles, CA) was then called upon to make two saves as SDCC made the most of their best offensive chances in the first 45.  However, the Lions goalie was locked in and made both saves to keep the sides level.  Just into the 16th minute and the Lions were back to attacking, with Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA) sending two shots just off the frame within a short amount of time.  Garcia then opened the scoring, as Vanguard went ahead in the 21st minute.  Transitioning from the back end, a good sequence of passing got Alvayero into a prime position. The senior flipped it out wide to Garcia, and with eyes on the prizes, he pushed the ball into the box and smashed his shot over the keeper and into the net for his first goal of the year.

VU wasted little time in doubling the advantage, as the team got a corner kick 50 seconds after the goal.  Alvayero dished up a perfect ball and the Hawk defenders moved to cover all the threats.  However, in doing so, they left Nicolai Dejbakhsh (SO/Laguna Niguel, CA) wide open and he easily dumped the ball off his head into the net to make it 2-0 in the 22nd minute.

The Lions continued to push on, picking up a couple more shots along the way.  The transition game would once more produce for the Blue and Gold, as the Hawks picked up possession in the 36th minute.  SDCC made one too many passes in the back line and Aidan Doherty (SO/Huntington Beach, CA) pounced, making a steal and driving in on goal.  Eluding his pursuers, Doherty wound up and bashed his shot from the top of the box into the far side netting off his left foot to increase the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute.

The hosts would make a good passage of play and score in the 81st minute to deny Monterrosa the shutout, but it was mere consolation for the Hawks, as VU claimed the 3-1 victory after 90 minutes were up.  The Lions wound up outshooting the Hawks 15-4 in the first half and 17-7 for the game.  Vanguard also had a 7-5 edge in shots on goal and a 10-6 lead in corner kicks.  Garcia thrived on attacking the ball Saturday, as he posted seven shots, three on goal, to lead the team in both categories.  Alvayero had five shots, one on target, and two assists.  Monterrosa made four saves.

Why is it Important?

The Lions are now 26-2-1 all-time against the Hawks and get a needed GSAC win on the board.

What was Said? 

"San Diego is a tough team on the road," said Head Coach Jesus Miramontes.  "We came out and started very well.  It was a physical game and we got a great result on the road to start conference.  Couldn't be happier."

"We came out hot today and they didn't know what to do," said Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA).  "I'm glad we were able to keep the momentum for the rest of the half and game. We are hyped to start off the season with a win and hope to continue this Thursday."

What's Next? 
The next two GSAC games for Vanguard will be at home, starting with a Thursday match against William Jessup on October 6 at 4:00 p.m.