COSTA MESA – Vanguard's first-half foothold against Jessup was placed into question after the team suffered a straight red card in the 43rd minute. They answered, however, with a willful disposition, as the ten men Lions marched toward a 1-0 win at VU Soccer Field on Saturday afternoon.

Freshman Juan Vazquez claimed the game's only goal with a masterful free kick in the 75th minute to hand the Lions the win on their Pacific West Conference opening match. The strike also marked
Vazquez's second goal in as many games, with the midfielder earning his fourth point of the season.

The Lions break a three-game winless run to improve to 3-3-2 and 1-0 in the conference. The result is also their sixth straight win over the Warriors. Jessup loses on their second of four-game road trip, dropping to 1-6-2, 0-4 in the PacWest.

The Blue and Gold were both resilient and positionally flexible amid the dire conditions and managed to maintain their control of the match despite being a player down, outshooting the Warriors with a season-high 19 shots to Jessup's 10.

What Happened? Though it never came, a first-half Vanguard goal seemed inevitable after VU's hot start. They led in shots (12-5) and corner kicks (5-0), and never truly allowed Jessup to get too settled in possession on the ball. The Warriors however, withstood long periods of pressure with a high line, as VU struggled to stay onside in the opening frame.

Sidney Dina, who was ubiquitous for the Blue and Gold in his 72 minutes, also had a career-high six shots in the match. He had the first five looks of the day for the Lions, with his best opportunity coming in the 12th minute after he sent a bullet through the middle of Jessup net to test the defense early.

Kevin Abarca also sparked danger in the half, connecting on a cross from Adan Alvarado in the 22nd minute. Abarca's swipe didn't draw the best contact with the ball, but the effort led to an awkward approach for the Jessup keeper as the arching shot clipped off the front of the woodwork.

Luke Parker and Robert Ronco combined for the next-best opening for the Blue and Gold. A VU through ball from Shaun Im created the space for Parker, but his shot toward the middle of the frame was stopped. Ronco was quickest to react to rebound, thrashing his body toward the loose ball, but the header glanced over the bar.

Vazquez had the clearest angle to goal in minute 36, after a slip at the back from Jessup left the Lion one-on-one. Vazquez carried the ball into the box, but was bombarded with a plethora of options at his disposal, ultimately missing out on the chance to pull the trigger.

VU's comfort despite the lack of clinical finishing was flipped on its head after a straight red card for Connor McCoy in the 43rd minute. They entered halftime tied 0-0 but down a player on the field.
The second half was all about desire and individual quality for VU. Abarca and Alan Leon each made offensive sacrifices for the team to slot into defense, while Dina and Parker played a man down in midfield.

Jessup did increase their shot total from the previous half, but still trailed VU 7-5, as the visitors lacked the crucial opening to find a threatening strike toward Aidan Hay in net. VU played with a fast-tempo motor and threw bodies in a dedicated press to hunt for chances and remain in control of the half.

Vazquez had the breakthrough with a free kick in the 75th minute. The freshman stood on the right wing, nearly parallel with the corner flag. The left-footer ripped his strike across the face of the goal,  the ball hugging the breeze before snuggling into the top left corner.

Vanguard managed the final 15 minutes well, as the ten-man Lions slowed the game pace to secure all three points in their PacWest opener.

What was said? "I felt we were very good in the 1st half," said Head Coach Jesus Miramontes. "Going down to 10 men and finding a way to win was very positive. It took a great goal and great defensive teamwork to pull out the victory."

What's Next? It's more tests ahead for the Blue and Gold, as they start a four-game road trip in Honolulu with Hawaii Pacific, Thursday, October 9, at 6 pm.