COSTA MESA – Vanguard's return to the City of the Arts to start a nine-game homestand came with a humbling 3-0 loss to CSU San Marcos Thursday afternoon at VU Soccer Field. The Lions started well and saw an even 4-4 split in shots in the first frame. The second half, however, led to a well-earned win for the visitors as VU were outshot 9-4 and conceded three goals in seven minutes. The loss puts VU at 0-3 to start a campaign for the first time in 14 years. CSUSM improve to 2-1.
What Happened? Vanguard had
Leonardo Villacorta available for the first time in the season, slotting the graduate student at center half to help launch a strong start. The Cougars managed two shots in the early stages, but VU had the better rhythm between the two teams.
Alex Martinez let fly in the 11
th minute in a collapse in the Cougar defense, forcing a deflection for a corner kick.
Robert Ronco had the Lions' next effort, after splitting past his defender with a run through the box to force a save from CSUSM's Yoel Vazquez in the bottom left corner.
Kyle Nelson's introduction in the 22
nd minute was the last breath of offensive ignition from the home team in the half, with the sophomore making two chances. His opportunity in 26
th minute nearly cinched the opener with a defense-breaking run across the penalty spot, but his extended leg couldn't tag the effort past the Cougar net.
CSUSM were in control of the match from that point onward. They netted a blazing goal from distance in the 36
th minute, but had the effort disallowed with the first-ever VAR (Video Assistant Referee) check at VU Soccer Field to deem the goal offside in the buildup.
0-0 at halftime made for potential change of pace for the Blue and Gold, but the home team coughed up a penalty kick less than two minutes after the half began, giving the Cougars a spot kick, that Cisco Avila tucked away from
Caleb Johnson in VU's net for 1-0.
The Lions nearly leveled the score 15 seconds after the restart, with a well-placed shot from
Tyler Williams troubling Vazquez. The Cougar keeper spilled in the parry in the path of Ronco, whose header on the rebound couldn't hand the Lions the breakthrough.
The Cougars had eight of the final nine shots of the game and converted twice more to bring the Lions to heel. A poorly defended corner kick left an open Cougar shot at the top of box that Avila buried for the brace. The 55
th minute sealed the game, as the Cougars connected on their third goal in seven minutes. Andrew Valencia drilled a brilliant through ball over the top to squeeze through a high VU back line. Blake Haseyama found the pass, and walked past two Lion defenders before his left-footed finish for 3-0.
The Lions were outshot 13-8, but had one more shot on goal (4-3). The foul count breached 36 at the full whistle, with 19 from the Cougars and 17 from VU.
What's Next? Vanguard will have a quick turnaround when they welcome Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday, September 5 at 4 pm.
