LOS ANGELES — The University of La Verne men's soccer team had just as many opportunities as Occidental, but the Tigers were more efficient, converting two of four shots on goal to beat the Leopards, 2-0, on Saturday night at Ortmayer Stadium.
La Verne falls to 10-4 overall and 6-4 in the SCIAC. Occidental improves to 9-1-3 and 6-1-3.
The first goal was pure luck. The Tigers put in a driven cross from the right wing but the ball struck a La Verne defender and deflected into the net to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute.
The Leopards had a golden opportunity to strike back immediately but a Humberto Irra shot near the edge of the six-yard box was saved by a finger tip.
Saul Uribe had a decent headed chance to put the Leopards ahead in the 26th minute on a cross by Nathan Gonzalez, but the shot glanced just left.
The Tigers added an insurance marker in the 57th minute when Michael Tonetti served up a good cross from the left side and Zack Conrad buried it into the left corner.
La Verne returns to action on Wednesday at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps as it looks to shake off its first losing streak of the year.