Defending Champion Stags Defeat Men's Soccer

Photo by Shira Oneal-Abend

Story by Nathaniel Rodriguez, Sports Information Student Assistant

LA VERNE, CA — The reigning Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's soccer champion Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags scored three unanswered goals in the second half to defeat the host University of La Verne men's soccer team on Saturday night, 3-0. 

Neither team was able to develop a scoring opportunity within the match's opening half, but the Stags maintained possession for most of the 45 minutes. The Leopards' defense did an exceptional job to contain CMS threats in the penalty box early on, but the Stags remained resilient following the match's intermission.

Sophomore midfielder Liam O'Reilly started the Stags' scoring just five minutes following halftime, deflecting a free-kick just outside the penalty box off a La Verne defender that one-hopped into the far side of the net for the 1-0 lead. In the 66th minute, CMS freshman midfielder Tommy Brown scored off a clean volley assisted by junior defender Ben Pelz to make it 2-0. Eric Sanchez, a sophomore forward for the Stags, scored the dagger in the 74th minute to secure the 3-0 win for the defending SCIAC champs. 

Scoring opportunities were scarce for the Leopards, who were unable to put a shot on goal against the visitors. Freshman goalkeeper Logan Reese had five saves for La Verne, despite being handed a tough loss from an impressive CMS Stags team. Kevan Rehmani got the start in the net and finished with one save.

La Verne falls to 2-3-1, and 1-1 in SCIAC play. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps improves their overall record to 4-0-1, and 2-0 in conference action.

Next Game

The Leopards will travel to Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday afternoon for their next match at 4:00 p.m. against the Sagehens.