COSTA MESA – In a defensive-minded men's soccer battle that featured a combined 36 fouls, Vanguard and Chapman ended up in a 0-0 tie on Saturday afternoon at VU Soccer Field.
The Lions are now 0-0-2 on the season, remaining unbeaten (8-0-1) in their last nine home openers. The Panthers moved to 1-0-1. It was the home debut for first-year head coach Jesus Miramontes.
Vanguard outshot Chapman 11-6, but could not find net despite a few solid chances. Edwin Monterrosa made three saves for the Lions, while Chandler Siemonsma tallied four for the Panthers.
What Happened?: Chances were few in the first half as only four shots were taken, three coming from the Lions. Zachary Miramontes had the best scoring opportunity, but his attempt was blocked in the 26th minute.
Both teams opened up a bit more in the second stanza. Chapman's Jake Williams hit a free kick over the VU wall but right at Monterrosa for the save.
The Lions got their first shot to dent the scoreboard in the 49th minute when Robert Ronco outmaneuvered his defender, hitting a hard shot that Siemonsma dove to deflect away.
Nearly 10 minutes later, Austin Tubbs latched onto a ball in the box, turning one way and going the other before volleying a shot toward the lower left. However, Siemonsma was there to corral it.
Nathaniel Gomez had one last chance go wide in the 88th minute as the Lions settled for the draw in their first matchup against the Panthers since 2011.
Ronco, Pierre Khoury, Connor McCoy and Tyler Redmon saw their first career action as Lions.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions held Chapman, which scored six goals in its season opener, to just six shots with none really all that threatening. VU resembled the defensive juggernaut that allowed just eight goals the entire 2021 season.
What Was Said?: "I think we were very organized and defended very well," said Miramontes. "We generated some quality chances offensively too. We have to be patient and continue to improve every game. Our fitness is improving and our overall relationships between our lines is getting better. Our fight and determination to defend was awesome today. I'm proud of our guys."
What's Next?: The Lions host Saint Katherine on Labor Day at 9:00 a.m. The Monday matchup initially was scheduled for 4:00 p.m., but the time change was necessitated by the heat wave which has enveloped Orange County. Note that the women's game against Benedictine Mesa, originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m., will also have an earlier kickoff at 11:15 a.m.
