LOS ANGELES — The University of La Verne men's soccer team lost its first game of the season, 2-0, at Occidental as Tod Kawada, who has been a thorn in the Leopards side, notched a goal and an assist.
The Leopards fall to 5-1-0 overall and and 2-1-0 in SCIAC play. Oxy improves to 6-0-1 and 3-0-1.
The first half was evenly played as the two previously undefeated sides felt each other out. Nathan Gonzalez looked to open the scoring early, but had his first two shots in the first 12 minutes blocked and saved.
Kawada netted the game winner in the 58th minute as he received a cross from the left side and sliced it into the top of the net.
La Verne coach Trevor Persson then went with Gonzalez, Nick Gonsalves and Saul Uribe up top to inject more speed and athleticism, but the Leopards could not manage to create a good chance.
Kawada then found Valdair Martins-Lopes in the 78th minute to seal the win for Occidental. It looked as if Martins-Lopes was offside as Kawada slipped him the ball, but the flag stayed down.
Gonzalez led all players with five shots with two of them on goal.
La Verne goalkeeper Josh Ramirez made four saves.
The Leopards return to action on Saturday when it travels to Chapman to take on the Panthers at 7 p.m.
