THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Nathan Gonzalez struck for two goals to lift the University of La Verne men's soccer team past Cal Lutheran, 2-0, on Saturday evening at Rolland Stadium.
La Verne breaks a three-game winless streak and improves to 7-4-1 in SCIAC play (11-4-1 overall). Cal Lutheran falls to 2-11-2 overall and 2-9-1 in the SCIAC. It was a much needed win for the Leopards as they vault back into third place in the SCIAC standings four games to go.
Both teams traded chances early but it was La Verne who was able to take advantage in the 27th minute. Gonzalez collected the rebound from a blocked Saul Uribe shot and tapped into the open net for what turned out to be the game-winner.
The junior sealed the game with a penalty kick—his 3rd spot kick of the year—with just 15 seconds remaining in the game.
"We were very well organized and it was a massive overall team effort," La Verne head coach Trevor Persson said. "We had tons of chances and finished what we needed to win."
Chances for the Kingsmen were few and far between as the Leopards kept their shape defensively. Cal Lutheran's first attempt on goal came with five minutes remaining in the first half and just three such chances in the game. La Verne goalkeeper Josh Ramirez answered each of the tests, finishing with three saves.
Both teams got off five shots in the first half but La Verne outshot Cal Lutheran, 11-6, in the second half.
Gonzalez, Uribe and Briley Venti all had three shot attempts each.
La Verne returns to action on Monday at Pomona-Pitzer at 4 p.m.
