TEMECULA, Calif. — Three different Leopards got on the board for the first time this season and the University of La Verne men's soccer team beat St. Katherine, 3-0, on Monday night at Birdsall Sports Park.

Sophomore Nathan Gonzalez, junior Jared Clements and Lorenzo Leyva all found the net for the first time this season.

How it happened: The Leopards thoroughly dominated the entire match. They kept the ball, took good chances in and around the penalty box and finished well.

La Verne scored all three of their goals in a span of 10 minutes across two halves. Gonzalez opened the scoring in 44th minute, Leyva notched on just four minutes into the second half and Jared Clements registered his first goal as a Leopard in the 53rd minute. Mario Interiano assisted on the final two goals.

The Leopards continued to play very well defensively, keeping shape and forcing the Firebirds out of dangerous areas.

La Verne goalkeepers Darrin Bangle and Greg Veron kept a clean sheet, combining for three saves.

It was over when: Gonzalez converted a feed from Jaime Moreno late in the first half. La Verne had been knocking at St. Katherine's door all game but had been just missing.

Once Gonzalez scored the opener, the Leopards settled down and scored two more in the first five minutes of the second half.

Player of the game: Gonzalez, who was the team's leading goal scorer last season, came through with his first goal of 2014 on Monday. The sophomore has been dangerous in attack all season. He leads the team in shots taken so far this year and shares team lead in assists with two.

Stat of the game: 20 to 3. The Leopards launched 20 shots compared to St. Katherine's three. La Verne could have easily had more shots and goals had they pressured higher up the field.

From head coach Trevor Persson:

On key to win: "We did a very good job maintaining possession, taking risks around the 18-yard box and finishing our chances."

On team's readiness for SCIAC: "Our team seems ready for conference play. We play a very good Redlands team and that game will be a great test for us as we head into our SCIAC schedule."

What it means: The Leopards have taken extremely well to the fresh approach and philosophy of new head coach Trevor Persson, going undefeated (3-0-1) in non-conference action.

Up next:  La Verne opens SCIAC play on the road against perennial contender Redlands on Wednesday at 7 p.m.