LA VERNE — Saul Uribe scored his second goal in as many games to start the season, Andrew Maldonado opened his collegiate goals account and the University of La Verne men's soccer team beat Hope International, 2-0, on Tuesday night at the Ortmayer Stadium.
How it happened: The Leopards got on the board early as Uribe converted a nice feed by Nathan Gonzalez in the sixth minute.
As they did against Arizona Christian in the season opener, the Leopards were able to shut down every threat posed by Hope International and used efficient counterattack to keep the Royals on their heels.
It was over when: Jaime Moreno dribbled the ball up the left side, beat two defenders and laid it off to Maldonado, who beat Hope International goalkeeper Manuel Madrigal near post by the slimmest of margins to put the Leopards up, 2-0.
Hope International put a bit more pressure on La Verne in the second half, but the Leopards were able to sit back and rely on its superior defensive organization to seal the win.
Player of the game: Saul Uribe, who scored nine goals as a freshman last year, is looking primed for a breakout season. He has scored two goals in two games and has been quick and dangerous in attack.
Erik LeVay was huge on the defensive side late in the game. As the Royals put on some pressure, the 6-foot-1 senior used his frame to clear multiple crosses into the box.
Stat of the game: La Verne put two shots on goal the entire game and both were converted into goals.
From head coach Trevor Persson:
On the key to the win: "Preparation. We saw a little bit of video and had some information on their plan of attack, their formation and how they transition. We had a good report on what they were going to do so we prepared for them in practice and set ourselves up for success. … Our fitness was good, our possession was good and obviously our finishing was good."
On what the team has been emphasizing on defense: "We have what he call 'hot spots,' areas that we defend and that we feel are the most important spots on the field. So we put our guys in those hot spots and we stay in there. And we invite the other team to beat us on those spots. We have to be the best we can be on those hot spots."
What it means: The Leopards open the season 2-0 and look to be gelling quickly under new head coach Trevor Persson.
Up Next: La Verne will get a stiff test against Division II Cal Baptist when they travel to Riverside on Thursday, Sept. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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