LIVERMORE, Calif. -- The Vanguard men's soccer team got a goal in the sixth minute, and though the Lions could not add another, the team handled everything CSU East Bay could throw at them, winning 1-0.  The second half saw both sides combine for 15 shots, but VU kept a clean sheet for the second time in 2025.  The Lions improved to 2-1-1, while CSUEB dropped to 2-2.
 
What Happened?  A quick lunge by the Blue and Gold opened the contest, with Robert Ronco challenging Pioneer goalie Adan Corona, but Corona handled the shot.  However, the pressure from the Lions continued.  Adan Alvarado got a pass on the left side of the box, side-stepped the defender in front of him, and bounced a ball through the box that Kevin Abarca finished on the half volley into the top corner of the net to put VU ahead 1-0.  Abarca's first collegiate goal proved to be the only one of the game, but there were still some fireworks to come.
 
Aidan Hay had to make two stops, including one of the diving variety, in a six-minute span to keep Vanguard in the lead as the clock went past 14th minute.  Sidney Dina racked up two shots after that, in the 15th and 19th minutes, respectively, but neither went on target.  Bryan Ortiz got the last shot of the half for VU, which held a 5-4 edge in shots after 45 minutes.
 
The chances for a goal in the second half increased, as the action swayed like the wind around the San Francisco Bay.  The Lions won the shot tally in the period 8-7 and the corner kick count 4-3, though some of that was due to Charlie Cazares of CSUEB getting a red card in the 53rd minute.  Shaun Im got two good looks at goal, with Corona saving one, while Ronco again forced the Pioneer goalie to make a lunging save.
 
In contrast to the Pioneer keeper, Hay had to make only one easy stop as Vanguard's defense played smartly and kept the Pioneers clear from any grade-A chances.  Both Dina and Ronco paced VU with three shots, with Ronco's two attempts on target leading VU.  Tyler Williams had two shots, one on target, and the defense held East Bay to only three shots on goal, with Hay making all three stops.  CSUEB had a 6-4 lead in corner kicks in the game.
 
What was Said?  "It was a tough win.  We played really well in the first half but the long bus ride caught up to us," said Head Coach Jesus (Chuy) Miramontes.  "They took it to us in the second and we defended well.  It was a well-deserved win by all the players.  I'll take another shutout as well.

What's Next? The Lions move to Seaside for a battle against CSU Monterey Bay on Sunday at noon.