SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Men's soccer stormed Thorrington Field Wednesday afternoon in a potent 6-1 win over the Westmont Warriors. The result marked a season-high six goals and became the greatest margin of victory over rivals Westmont since the two crossed paths in 1978.  

The Blue and Gold (7-4-3, 5-1-1) take all three Pacific West points for the first time since mid-October to remain on the hunt for the conference title. Westmont drops their fourth game in a row to move to 5-8-2, 1-6-1.

VU's six-goal tally was the most road goals since back-to-back six-goal road performances in October 2023.

Five different Lions breached the back of the net for the Blue and Gold, with goals from Luke Parker, Robert Ronco, Adan Alvarado, Anthony Medina, and Slater Hammer. Among the many standout performers was Alvarado, who tallied one goal and one assist, for his first multi-point game of the season and second in his career. Junior Medina also had a memorable day with his first career brace.

The Lions led in corner kicks (7-1), shots (15-9), and tied their season high in shots on goal with eight.

What Happened? VU was energetic despite the 86-degree heat at kickoff and scored twice within the opening 10 minutes of play. A Kevin Abarca corner kick in the fifth minute started the first chance as the inswinging ball cross was punched away by Westmont.

The Warriors' sense of safety was soon undone, however, after Hammer recycled the cleared ball to Bryan Ortiz on the right wing. Ortiz beat his man and speared a cross into the scattered WC defense, as Parker poached the finish with a gentle touch tucked in at the near post.

Ortiz unlocked the chance for his second career assist and fourth point, while Parker picked up his fourth goal of the season to sit at 10 points.

Westmont was within striking distance in the eighth minute after looking for goal from a long throw-in. The ball was flung into the VU box from the right wing and dropped kindly for the Warriors, forcing a sharp save at point-blank range for Aidan Hay to the bottom right corner.

VU doubled their lead less than a minute later after Ronco won the ball off a tame WC goal kick. Ronco carried the attack into the box, striding from his defender from the left side and slotting the ball into the bottom right side netting for his fifth point of the season and second goal in three games.

The Blue and Gold onslaught persisted throughout the remainder of the first half. Westmont struggled to find space as the Lions clogged the passing lanes and stayed high up in enemy terrain. Both teams also tried a fair share of long throw-ins, which, over time, granted VU space to play in front of the Westmont defense.

Goal number three came from Alvarado and was, without question, the day's most impressive. The Lions won the ball in midfield through Leonardo Villacorta and used Shaun Im to roll the pass toward the Warrior penalty area. Positioned a few feet inside the left side of the box, Alvarado stood his ground with his back to the goal. The sophomore spun away from his man, shielding off the advancing challenges as he dribbled square, before shattering the ball into the top right corner.

Westmont was left with little time to tend to their wounds, as Alvarado ripped their defenses to spark another goal just 57 seconds later.

This time, the supplier, Alvarado, received the ball in a similar position after Villacorta broke up play in midfield. Alvarado turned on his defender and waltzed past two more Warriors before laying the ball safely across the box. Medina was unmarked as he made his run into the area and blasted the ball to the right corner for a 4-0 Vanguard halftime lead.

The scoreline was 5-0 after six minutes of second-half gametime, after the Lions earned a free kick from far outside the box. Coming from the right side, Ortiz clipped a ball toward the penalty spot, which was nodded away by Westmont. The clearance was only as far as Hammer, who caught the dropping ball on the bounce and sent it to the bottom left corner. The poised finish was the defender's second career goal and first since 2023.

The second period was more balanced in possession and likewise saw a slightly dampened tempo. Westmont enjoyed more time in the VU half to lead in shots 6-4 and collected a consolation goal in the 61st minute. The Warriors progressed up the right wing, floating a quality ball over the VU center backs, which was headed into the top corner by Weston Ash.

The final goal of the match was in the 88th minute, after a casual pass from the Westmont defense gave grass to explore for Medina. The junior took a heavy touch, but no one came close to him down in time, as Medina raced toward the goal and slipped the shot past the keeper to cap off the historic win.

What was said? "We know we can defend well," started Head Coach Jesus Miramontes. "I challenged them to be brave and take risks in the attacking third. They responded with some great goals. They stepped up and played outstanding. We have been disappointed with leaving teams in the game. Not today!"

What's Next? Men's soccer starts a key homestand to finish the regular season as they face Biola on November 1 at 1:30 pm.