COSTA MESA – Minus four starters, the Vanguard men's soccer team showed off their collective depth in a solid 2-1 victory over visiting Antelope Valley on Monday at VU Soccer Field.
The Lions took the pitch on Labor Day, but did not belabor the absence of Zachary Miramontes, Lucah Flores, Aidan Doherty and Markus Garcia.
Instead, VU leaned on reinforcements to help get the job done. Sophomore Tyler Redmon delivered the game-winning goal in the 47th minute and reserve defenders Nicolai Dejbakhsh, Matthew Sousa, Edwin Gonzalez and Connor McCoy helped shut down the Pioneers in the second half.
Nathaniel Gomez dented the scoreboard first for the Blue and Gold with a goal in the 20th minute. Despite being down a man due to a red card in the 54th minute, the Pioneers managed to cut their deficit in half with a 69th minute goal off a set piece.
Vanguard outshot Antelope Valley 21-10, including 13-2 in the second half. Stewart Alvayero and Austin Tubbs tied for match-high honors with six shots apiece. The Lions committed 24 fouls to UAV's seven, while the Pioneers led the corner kick battle (9-5).
Edwin Monterrosa made three saves for the Lions. The Pioneers split time between two keepers, with backup Alec Morales getting pelted with shots in the final 45 minutes. He made seven saves but allowed the Redmon goal just one minute and 45 seconds into the second half.
Robert Ronco collected his first career two-assist game, while Alvayero posted his 15th career assist.
What Happened?
The Lions pressured the Pioneers early and nearly put them in an early hole as Tubbs clanged his header off the crossbar in the ninth minute. About 30 seconds later, Alvayero stole a lazy Pioneer pass and unleashed a laser that went wide left.
Alvayero's corner kick set up the first VU goal. The forward whipped a pass into the crease that rebounded off a player to Ronco. Ronco's initial shot was blocked, but Gomez collected the rebound and booted it into the lower left corner for a 1-0 lead at the 19:15 mark.
Antelope Valley's best chance to equalize came on Edwardo De Los Santos header that Monterrosa leaped to smother. De Los Santos had five shots in an active first half, but the Lions did not allow him an attempt in the final 45 minutes.
The Lions opened the second half with a quick strike thanks to exceptional passing within tight space. Inside the 18, Alvayero dinked a short pass to Ronco, who laid the ball off to a wide open Redmon. Redmon, who started the second half, poked a left footer to the lower left corner. The goal at 46:25 was the second of Redmon's career.
With the Blue and Gold leading 2-0, frustration began to set in for the Pioneers. Johan Matamoros was issued a yellow card in the 50th minute, and Jose Orellana followed with two cautions within a three minute span – both due to dangerous tackles. The second infraction led to a red card, as the Pioneers went down a man for the final 37 minutes.
Despite limited opportunities in the second half, UAV managed to capitalize on a chance in the 69th minute. A VU foul set up a free kick from about 30 yards out for Vitor Nunes. Nunes went to the upper left to beat a diving Monterrosa and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, the Lions stiffened on defense and Monterrosa needed to make just one more stop the rest of the way, denying Nunes in the 86th minute.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions have scored two goals in each of their last two games. VU managed just two goals through the first three contests.
What Was Said?: "We were without four starters and we knew it wasn't going to be easy," said Head Coach Jesus Miramontes. "It shows our roster depth. Players stepped up and got the job done. We need to continue to get better offensively and we will be fine. We generate great chances to put teams away and we can't finish. But we found a way to win. That's what's important."
What's Next?: VU returns to action on Wednesday at Pomona-Pitzer for a 4:00 p.m. start.
