WAUKESHA, Wis. - The University of La Verne Leopard men's soccer team had an opening day hat-trick on the road against St. Johns (MN). 

Scoring goals is the chief aim of any striker, and junior forward Adan Villarreal decided to start the 2023 season off with flair by putting the ball into the back of the net three times for the Leopards at the 55th, 58th, and 83rd minute. Assisting him on the effort were teammates Angel Loza, and Maximillian De Anda - who set up Villarreal for success twice.

Tyler Thomas shut the door on the Johnnies with his goal in the 89th minute buoyed by a second Loza assist. In the cage Loan Reese tallied four saves in the 4-2 La Verne win.

Next game for the Leopards will be Sunday, September 3rd against Lakeland University at 11am Central, 9am Pacific.