COSTA MESA – Nathaniel Gomez (JR/Dominguez, CA) knocked in the game-winning goal with one minute remaining, completing a thrilling 2-1 men's soccer victory over Westmont at VU Soccer Field on Thursday.

It was the second straight game that Gomez had the winning tally, as his 70th minute strike last Saturday at No. 24 OUAZ also did the trick.

Markus Garcia (JR/Corona, CA) also scored for the Lions, which improved to 6-2-3 overall and 4-1-1 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. VU is in fourth place with 13 points, bunched together with league-leading OUAZ (15 points), and Hope International and Arizona Christian – both with 14 points apiece.

The Warriors (7-3-2, 2-3-1) gave VU all it could handle, testing Edwin Monterrosa (FR/Los Angeles, CA) throughout. The Lion goalkeeper made a career-high seven saves – including one on a first half penalty kick – and allowed just a 55th-minute goal to Michael Stull.

Prior to the game, Vanguard honored Westmont's Dave Wolf, who will retire following this season after 32 years as head coach. VU players and coaches lined up on both sides of the midline as Coach Wolf – owner of more than 350 career victories – accepted a plaque from Lion first-year head coach Jesus Miramontes.

What Happened?: Both teams combined for 21 of the game's 29 shots in a furious second half of back-and-forth play filled with scoring chances.

The Lions capitalized on the final opportunity to win their third one-goal game in conference play. A Westmont foul enabled Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA) to take a free kick from some 40-45 yards out near the right sideline.

Alvayero bended a looping ball to the far post into a sea of white and red jerseys. Westmont goalie Brady Highfill leapt high to corral the pass, but the ball popped out of his grasp and on the fly to Gomez. From a sideways angle, Gomez struck a one-timer over the line and just out of the reach of Warrior defender Landon Amaral.

Gomez tallied his third goal of the season and eighth of his career. Alvayero collected his conference-leading eighth assist and 12th of his career as VU took the 2-1 lead with just 60 ticks left on the clock.

The Lions nearly took the lead in the 87th minute as Robert Ronco (FR/San Diego, CA) had two solid chances, forcing Highfill into a diving save before hitting the rebound over the crossbar.

Garcia got VU's first solid chance of the afternoon as his rising shot in the 15th minute was tipped over the bar by Highfill.

In the 18th minute, the midfielder was dangerous again and this time capitalized on his opportunity.

Alvayero flicked a pass to Garcia who had his initial shot blocked, but the rebound caromed to his left. Garcia switched to his left foot and sent a screamer across his body and inside the far post for the 1-0 lead.

Garcia's goal would have tied the score and not given VU the lead if not for the heroics of Monterrosa a minute and a half earlier. VU's Joseph Hernandez (JR/Hesperia, CA) earned a yellow card for taking down Westmont's Braeden Pryor inside the box, and up stepped Amaral for the penalty shot.

Amaral, who was previously 2-for-2 on PK's this season, sent his shot lower right. Monterrosa anticipated and dove to his left to block the attempt out of bounds.

Stull had a decent chance in the 38th minute, but Monterrosa made the stop as the remainder of the first half played out without any further drama. VU held a 5-3 advantage in shots going into intermission.

Stull got involved again at the 54:15 mark and made good on his chance to tie the score at 1-1. Daniel Tuscano found a seam in the VU defense and poked a through ball to Stull, who went far post for his second goal of the season.

The battle was on, and it looked as if both teams would have to settle for a point, but Gomez had other ideas with his late heroics.

The last four VU wins against Westmont have come by a 2-1 score.

Why Is It Important?: VU is still in the hunt for the GSAC regular season title with three matches to go. The Lions are 6-1 this season when Alvayero has an assist.

What Was Said?: "This team never quits," said Miramontes. "We had a few key players go down and others stepped up. That shows the depth we have. Westmont played well and had us pinned for a little while. Our determination and grit is what got us this victory today."

What's Next?: Vanguard hosts The Master's on Saturday for Senior Day at 2:30 p.m. Alvayero, Joey Barry (SR/Laguna Hills, CA), Jesse Gonzalez (SR/Fullerton, CA), Mario Gonzalez (SR/Anaheim, CA), Jackson Swindle (SR/Brea, CA) and Austin Tubbs (SR/Long Beach, CA) will walk out with their families in a pregame ceremony. Harold Aguirre (SR/Long Beach, CA) and Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA) will also be acknowledged as they were honored at last year's Senior Day, but returned to VU with one year of remaining eligibility.