COSTA MESA – Seven different Lions scored in a 7-1 men's soccer victory against Saint Katherine on Monday morning at VU Soccer Field, giving head coach Jesus Miramontes his first win as head coach.
The seven goal outburst represented the most for the program in a game since 2018. The Lions scored seven in back-to-back games that season against Providence Christian and Bethesda.
Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA) scored his second goal of the season, while Aidan Doherty (SO/Huntington Beach, CA), Andrew Robles (SR/Tustin, CA), Lucah Flores (SO/Frisco, TX), Nathaniel Gomez (JR/Dominguez, CA), Robert Ronco (FR/San Diego, CA) and Mario Gonzalez (SR/Anaheim, CA) each recorded his first. The Lions forged a 2-0 lead at halftime, then exploded for five goals in the final 45 minutes.
VU owned a 25-4 shots advantage, with four players leading with three apiece. The Lions had a chance to empty their bench as a total of 26 players got into the game.
What Happened?: The Lions struck first in the 17th minute as Alvayero sent a long through ball to a sprinting Doherty, who beat Firebirds goalkeeper Brock Hendrickson for the 1-0 lead.
VU appeared headed for a slim halftime lead when a Saint Katherine's foul afforded Robles an opportunity for a free kick. From about 25 yards out on the right side, Robles bent a shot that deflected off the far post and in. His goal at the 43:21 mark was the 22nd of his career, and he is now tied for No. 8 on the VU all-time list with Tomislav Colic (2007-10).
Poised for more scoring, Vanguard did just that within three minutes coming out of intermission. Flores was yanked down in the box and awarded a penalty kick. He calmly stepped to the spot and deposited his shot to the lower right for a 3-0 VU lead.
Alvayero increased the lead to 4-0 in the 58th minute. Doherty broke into open space down the right side and found a streaking Alvayero, who avoided the charging goalkeeper and went far post. Alvayero notched his 19th career score, which now ties him for 10th in the VU record book.
Tyler Redmon (FR/La Verne, CA) posted his first collegiate point as the defender intercepted the ball and maneuvered his way toward the endline before hitting a cross across the box. The ball ricocheted off a player and headed straight to Gomez who didn't hesitate. Gomez notched his sixth career goal as VU led 5-0 in the 71st minute.
Less than three minutes later, the Lions converted their second penalty shot of the game. A Firebird was whistled for pulling Ronco down inside the 18, and the freshman went low right from the spot for his first collegiate goal.
Saint Katherine got on the board at the 74:42 mark, benefiting from a Lion foul. The set piece went in favor of Andy Valencia, who steered his shot in to the far post.
Leading 6-1, the Lions found net one more time in the 79th minute thanks to some hustle from Connor McCoy (FR/Long Beach, CA). McCoy charged upfield to the touchline, beat his man and crossed to Gonzalez. Gonzalez buried a shot to the lower left as VU led 7-1.
Gonzalez nearly had a brace as his blast caromed off the crossbar earlier in the first half.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions found their breakout game on offense after battling Chapman to a scoreless tie two days prior. VU displayed its depth on a scorching hot day, which led to kickoff being switched from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
What Was Said?: "We defended well again," said Miramontes. "The back line was solid and our attacking combinations were clicking. Everyone contributed today and it was definitely a team effort. These guys are coming around and I was blessed to get my first collegiate win today. Thank you fellas."
What's Next?: The Lions resume action in nine days, hitting the road for a Wednesday, Sept. 14 game at Pomona-Pitzer. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m.
