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Men’s soccer sluggish against UC Santa Cruz

Defender Leopard Lance Pico, from Glendora, demonstrates his willingness to "take one for the team," by separating two Santa Cruz offensive players and winning the challenge presented by Santa Cruz's offense. / photo by Tom Galaraga
Defender Leopard Lance Pico, from Glendora, demonstrates his willingness to “take one for the team,” by separating two Santa Cruz offensive players and winning the challenge presented by Santa Cruz’s offense. / photo by Tom Galaraga

by Amanda Egan
Staff Writer

Men’s soccer opened up its season play with a strong win against Biola, 3-1, but fell to UC Santa Cruz, 2-0, in their final pre-season match.

“Biola was a good team, but we were very sharp and the three goals we scored were magnificent,” said head coach Shayon Jalayer.

The Leopards entered their match against the UCSC Banana Slugs with a 1-0 record while UCSC had already hosted a tournament.

“Teams are well into their season; we’ve only played two games. We did that on purpose so we could focus on the physical condition of our team,” said Jalayer.

The Leopards were down by one at the half, while the Slugs held possession of the ball comfortably and scored on a set play outside the 18-yard box.

“In the second half we started to show rhythm,” Jalayer said.

ULV was crashing the Slugs’ net until the Leopards’ captain Art Pico was red carded for elbowing another player in the mouth.

“In the second half Art got red carded and our momentum shifted. So, we just hung in with 10 players; we just got tired,” said junior mid-fielder Nathan Chabolla. “UCSC was definitely beatable.”

“We feel good going into conference because our goalkeeper position is solidified. The goalkeeper trainer, Ahmad Sajjadi, is an asset,” said Jalayer.

ULV’s team is 20 players deep this season with added strength from five new players, which is made up of freshman and transfers, and they are hopeful for this year’s season.

“We expect to do quite well in conference; people are going to feel La Verne this year,” said Jalayer.

The Leopards begin their conference play against the Occidental Tigers at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Ben Hines Field.

Amanda Egan
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