LA VERNE, CA — UC Santa Cruz scored early and the University of La Verne men's soccer team couldn't respond, falling to the Banana Slugs 1-0 Saturday afternoon.
UC Santa Cruz struck in the fifth minute when Christian Locatelli fired a shot from inside the box. Tristan Polakowski fended off the attempt but couldn't gather the ball. Kailas Dhond capitalized and struck the loose ball to give the Banana Slugs the opening 1-0 lead.
The Banana Slugs had a chance to extend their lead to 2-0 in the 20th minute off of their first corner kick. Gabriel Palomares sent a perfect cross into a box to a charging Liam Linas who headed the ball on target, but Polakowski was in the right spot to make a spectacular save.
The Leopards had trouble all game penetrating UC Santa Cruz's defense. La Verne created several opportunities in or near the box but most of the time the Banana Slugs found a way to smother the Leopards before they could get off a shot.
La Verne finished the game with three shots and two shots on goal.
Season Impact
With Saturday's result, the Leopards move 9-8-1 overall and 4-5-1 in the SCIAC. La Verne currently sits in fifth place in the SCIAC behind third place Redlands (6-2-2) and fourth place Occidental (6-4-1). UC Santa Cruz improves to 7-6-2 overall.
Next Game
The Leopards return to SCIAC action next Wednesday, October 30 in a crucial game at Redlands. The Leopards' final regular-season road game of the year is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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