COSTA MESA – Vanguard rallied with three second half goals over a span of 12 minutes and 39 seconds, but it wasn't enough to overcome La Sierra in a 4-3 loss in men's soccer action at VU Soccer Field on Thursday.

In a rare defensive lapse for VU, the Lions stared at a 4-0 deficit midway through the second period as the Golden Eagles scored goals in the 13th, 21st, 61st and 69th minutes. The four goals allowed represented the most for the program since defeating OUAZ in overtime, 6-5, on Oct. 26, 2019.

Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA), Aidan Doherty (SO/Huntington Beach, CA) and Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA) tallied goals for VU, which fell to 2-1-2 on the season. The Golden Eagles improved to 2-4-0.

Vanguard had the advantage in shots (20-11) and corner kicks (6-3), but La Sierra converted more of its opportunities. The game got more physical as toward the latter stages of the second half. Seventeen of the 28 fouls whistled occurred in the second period. Seven yellow cards were issued, including four to VU.

Paul Christensen notched six saves for La Sierra. Anthony Garcia, who entered the match with eight goals this season, notched two more including the game-winner.

What Happened?: The Lions had three shot attempts in the first nine minutes, looking to strike first. But a VU foul outside of the 18 yard box gave Garcia a free kick, and he buried his shot over the Lion four-man wall and to the far post for the 1-0 lead.

La Sierra built up an attack in the midfield on its second goal. Jonathan Sotelo received a long pass and took on two VU defenders, slipping a pass into space and finding Rafael Garcia, who poked his shot into the lower left corner.

The Lions had one good chance to cut the 2-0 deficit in half when Alvayero took a touch to his right and cut back to his left, but his shot was smothered by Christensen.

VU went into the half leading 7-3 in shots, but trailing by two goals on the scoreboard.

Similar to the first half, VU attacked early on in the second stanza with urgency, peppering the Golden Eagles with five shots over the first eight and half minutes. Alvayero and Robert Ronco (FR/San Diego, CA) accounted for those five shots, with Alvayero creating an excellent opportunity. He chested down a pass, flicked it in the air with his right foot, and volleyed a shot that went over the crossbar.

La Sierra nearly took a 3-nil lead when Anthony Antunez's rocket clanged off the right post in the 55th minute.

The Golden Eagles did not miss on their next scoring opportunity. A corner kick in the box was headed out of apparent danger by a VU player, but the ball found the right leg of Damian Romero, who unleashed a rocket from 30 yards past Monterrosa.

Garcia gave La Sierra a 4-0 lead with his second goal as he used his speed to beat two defenders off a long through ball.

VU began its comeback three minutes later on a penalty kick. Austin Tubbs (SR/Long Beach, CA) got pulled down inside the 18 and Robles took the PK, burying his shot to the lower left corner.

The Lions continued to fight and trimmed the deficit to 4-2 in the 79th minute. Aidan Doherty hit a shot off the right post and the rebound went off Christensen and trickled over the goal line.

Alvayero brought the Lions one goal closer in the 85th minute, taking a pass from Tyler Redmon (FR/La Verne, CA) and heading it past Christensen. It was Alvayero's fourth goal of the season and 21st of his career, moving him into a tie for ninth on the VU career list.

The Lions were unable to muster any additional shots for the remainder of the game and could not complete the comeback.

Why Is It Important?: The result gives VU a chance to regroup with its next game not taking place until nine days later.

What Was Said?: "I thought we came out flat," said Head Coach Jesus Miramontes. "We found ourselves down 4-0 and we could have caved in. Our guys fought until the end and had chances to tie or even win the game. I'm pleased with the second half effort."

What's Next?: VU opens Golden State Athletic Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 1 at San Diego Christian. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.