ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – Jena Howard broke a 1-1 tie in the 53rd minute – scoring for the second straight match - as Vanguard left the Lions Den with a 2-1 victory over Soka on Wednesday night.

The two Lion sides met for the sixth time, with Vanguard improving to 5-0-1 in the all-time series.

Howard netted the game-winner for the second straight contest after scoring the first of the team's five goals in Monday's 5-0 triumph over Antelope Valley. The forward generated a match-high tying three shots for the Lions, who were outshot 11-8 overall by Soka.

Bethany Urrabazo tallied the second goal of her career – and first of 2023 – becoming the ninth different Lion to find the net this season.

The Lions yielded a 49th minute penalty kick goal that knotted the game at 1-1, but retook the lead exactly four minutes later on Howard's strike.

Jordin Holmquist-Wilder made four saves for the Lions to earn the win. Soka keepers split time between the pipes with Lillian Dukes and Mackinzie Stenstrom, with the latter taking the loss after giving up the second half goal.

VU is now 4-1-3 on the year, unbeaten in its last three matches. Soka fell to 2-6-1.

What Happened?

The Lions scored their fastest goal of the season at the 7:25 mark. Celeste Kiernan started the sequence with a throw-in. The ball eventually deflected off a Soka player and went to Urrabazo, who volleyed her shot into the top left corner.

Holmquist-Wilder made a couple of first half saves on Samantha Barrera and Mallorie Barteau. Soka generated the chances midway through the half, with Barteau clanging the crossbar on a floater in the 26th minute.

VU held the Soka Lions at bay until early in the second half when the visitors were whistled for a handball inside the 18-yard box. That allowed Sabrina Benjamin to convert the penalty kick attempt to even the score at 1-1.

Fortunately, the Blue and Gold did not have to wait long to reclaim the lead. Howard knocked in a shot from distance at the 52:10 mark to give VU the 2-1 advantage.

Holmquist-Wilder made saves in the 66th and 75th minutes to preserve the lead.

Why Is It Important?: VU has scored nine goals over the last three games. The team had six through the first five contests.

What's Next?: The Lions will have two weeks to prepare for the start of Golden State Athletic Conference play on Wednesday, October 4 against Life Pacific at noon.