COSTA MESA – Vanguard men's soccer faced a tough task as they played without three starters against the reigning PacWest champions in Point Loma. Both teams traded goals in the first half, but after losing two more players to injury in the second period, VU slowly lost momentum as Point Loma claimed all three points with a 3-1 victory on Thursday at VU Soccer Field.

The Lions' loss snapped a three-game win streak and was just their first PacWest defeat of the season as they dropped to 3-2-1, 2-1. Point Loma retained its place atop the conference improving to 5-1-2, 2-0.

Adan Alvarado bagged his second career goal for the Blue and Gold and notched a career-high two shots on goal. Sidney Dina also added two shots in the match, putting one on frame.

PLNU midfielder Simon Sagal wrote his name in the Sea Lion history books, becoming just the sixth player in program history to have three assists in a single game, the first since 2017.

What Happened?: There was little to separate both sides for the first half as the Lions narrowly outshot PLNU 6-5. Applying relentless pressure down the wings, the Lions created seven of their 10 corner kicks in the first half and finally converted one into a goal in the 20th minute. Alvarado stepped up to take VU's fourth straight corner kick and after a lethal ball ripped into the heart of the box, the inswinging cross dropped dead in front of the Point Loma goal and cushioned itself into the back of the net.

The Lion lead would last less than two minutes, as Loma took advantage of a set piece near the right side of the penalty box and clipped a dangerous ball neatly onto the head of Felix Calero, who nodded the ball in at the back post.

Alvarado almost earned a brace in the 30th minute, as his strike to spearhead the Lions' counterattack nearly caught PLNU keeper Jeremy Caringella wrong-footed.

Vanguard's counter-attacking chances dwindled in the second half, as Point Loma's heavy possession took a toll. After quick injuries in the midfield to substitutes Anthony Hernandez-Perez and Michael Salazar in earlier portions of the second half, VU struggled to keep the motor running as Loma made adjustments in the middle of the park.

PacWest Defender of the Week Aidan Hay held the fort with four second-half saves but finally conceded in the 68th minute. Point Loma strung together 10 passes before Sagal slotted the through ball to Elijah Langford for the 2-1 lead. PLNU pressed the issue from there, scoring its third goal just five minutes later as Sagal beat two Lions down the left end line and connected with Langford once more to finalize the road win.

What's Next?: The Lions will look for their first home victory of the season when they host rival Westmont on Thursday, October 10 at 1:30 p.m.