In its 2013 season opener, the University of La Verne men's soccer team went up early and overcame a late rally from Carthage College to post a 2-1 double overtime triumph over the visiting Redmen Friday at Ortmayer Stadium.

In the second overtime period, a Carthage foul on Leopard forward Nick Gonsalves resulted in a penalty kick, setting up Andrew Geenen's game-winning goal past Redmen goalkeeper Nicholas Huftalin at the 101:15 mark of the contest to propel the Leos to victory.

The opening 45 minutes of play failed to produce a goal as both teams entered intermission deadlocked at 0-0. 

Six minutes into the second frame, the Leos would go on top thanks to a goal from Ryan Estrada with an assist from Nathan Gonzalez at 51:35.  The 1-0 La Verne lead would hold for much of the second half until Carthage eventually broke through at 83:42 on a goal from Alexander Marquis to knot the contest and eventually force overtime.

Both teams had opportunites to score in the first overtime, but the game remained tied heading into the second overtime.  In the second minute of sudden death, Gonsalves broke free towards a potential shot, but was upended by a Carthage defender resulting in a foul to set up Geenen's game-winner.

"Today's contest is an excellent opening for us," said Leopard head coach Crescencio Gonzalez.  "When Carthage tied it late, we maintained our composure and kept battling.  To get a quality win under those circumstances showed good character."

La Verne returns to action on September 8 when it plays host to George Fox University in an 11:30 am start.