COSTA MESA -- The first victory of the 2026 campaign found VU men's soccer Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 decision over California State University East Bay. The Lions scored multiple goals for the first time this year, with
Xavier Alcantar netting a brace and
Jordan Le's laser going down as the game-winning goal. Vanguard improved to 1-4-1, while CSUEB fell to 0-5-1.
What Happened? The Lions opened the scoring early, as Alcantar got his first career tally.
Robert Ronco helped by penetrating down the left flank, and though a Pioneer defender nicked the ball away, it soon bounced to Alcantar, who dribbled around another defender and slotted it into the net from just inside the penalty box.
Both Ronco and
Luke Parker had shots over the next 10 minutes, as the Lions carried on with their forward energy, but the Pioneers soon brought the game back toward a neutral plane. The visitors started to unlock the Vanguard back line, with an attempt in the 32nd minute hitting the right post just after
Caleb Johnson missed on his charge off the line. As he was was down and out, the ball came back into the box off the post, and a VU defender took down a Pioneer attacker, giving CSUEB a penalty kick. Jefferson Parada converted to level the score at 1-1.
Giancarlo Romero forced a late stop by CSUEB keeper Adan Corona, but he made the easy save, with a shot by
Javier Camargo clearing the bar to end the half.
The Lions had a 7-4 edge in shots in the first period, with both sides getting two corner kicks and two yellow cards during the half.
The second interval had all the drama one could want, with each side having highs and lows. Camargo had another shot in the 49th minute to open the offensive action in the frame, but he sent it over the bar. The first of VU's five yellow cards in the half came to
Ashton Ta-Tran, and the foul count climbed to 27 in total, 15 by VU, by the end of the match.
Both teams exchanged scoring chances through the middle part of the period, with CSUEB generating a few looks on some quality passes through the air.
Tyler Williams forced a save in the 64th minute, and he and
Henry Garcia attempted to score off a corner in the 68th minute, but both kicks were blocked. The Blue and Gold piled on the pressure after that, but the Pioneers snuck ahead in the 77th minute.
Mario Floriano, who entered at the start of the second half, made a kick save with the end of his foot to deny Bennett Richards a goal, and the ball went out of bounds for a throw. CSUEB tossed it deep into the box, and a flick off a head allowed Julian Valle to snap it into an empty net to put the guests ahead.
Needing at least one to earn a draw, VU prevailed by scoring two in 10 minutes. The Lions were awarded a PK in the 82nd minute, and Alcantar sent the ball into the top of the net to level proceedings. A couple of minutes later, Parker missed a shot, but Vanguard was able to recycle the ball. A cross ended up on the right flank, and Le took a couple of touches before he blasted the ball from just outside the box into the top-left corner of the net to send VU ahead for good with his first career strike.
The Blue and Gold had a 19-9 lead in shots and a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal in the contest. Camargo had a game-high four shots, with Williams next with three and Parker, Alcantar, and Le next with two apiece.
What was Said? "After a tough loss on Thursday, our guys showed some grit, scoring two late goals and not giving up," relayed Head Coach
Jesus (Chuy) Miramontes. "It has been a tough non-conference season for us, and we showed some resilience today. We were better on the offensive side of the ball and scored three goals. This is a huge step forward for us, and gets us ready for conference play."
What's Next? Vanguard hosts PLNU for a final non-conference clash next Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
