Lions Lose in Delray Beach in Second Round

The Vanguard Men’s Soccer Team lost in the second round, of the NAIA Men’s Soccer Championship, to MidAmerica Nazarene University on Tuesday afternoon. The #7 ranked Lions suffered a 2-0 loss after conceding two goals in the second half. The loss comes after a solid, 3-0 win in the first round against, the University of Great Falls.

The #10 ranked Pioneers, of Great Falls University, handled most of the possession throughout the game and outshot the Lions, 10-4. The Pioneers eventually scored on a penalty kick, which was awarded to sophomore, Matias Cabello when he was fouled inside the box. The penalty kick was finished by senior, Eddie Morales in the 53rd minute.

Shortly after giving up the penalty kick, the Lions found themselves in more trouble after committing another foul outside the box. The ensuing cross lead to the Pioneers second goal, which was finished by junior, Cameron Wallace in the 57th minute. The two goal lead was enough for Great Falls as the final whistle blew. The Pioneers advance and will play the #2 ranked, Davenport University in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship.

Vanguard goalie, sophomore, Brandon Gomez, played a good game, shutting out the Pioneers in the first half, making eight saves on ten shots in the game.

After making it to the quarterfinals last year, the Lions are disappointed in what they thought was too early of an elimination. The Lions are ending a strong season after finishing 16-5, and 8-2 in the Golden State Athletic Conference.