LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's soccer team claimed a commanding 4-1 victory over Whittier College on Wednesday night at Ortmayer Stadium. The Leopards secured an early lead and never looked back, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and solid defensive play that kept the Poets at bay.
La Verne opened the scoring in the 12th minute when freshman forward
Alex Singleton found the back of the net with an assist from Maximillian De Anda. Just over 20 minutes later, De Anda added to the lead. Singleton maneuvered skillfully around two defenders before passing to De Anda, who dribbled confidently toward the goal and launched a powerful left-footed shot into the top left corner of the net.
Whittier responded in the 66th minute, when Owen Nance scored off a setup by Kevin Bravo, bringing the score to 2-1 and adding some tension to the match. However, La Verne quickly regained control with
Angel Loza's goal in the 74th minute, assisted by
Alexander Bastidas. Sophomore starter Bastidas launched a shot at the goal, which deflected off the Poets' goalkeeper and landed at Loza's feet, allowing him to finish the play and extend the Leopards' lead. The Leopards capped off their scoring in the 85th minute when
Sebastian Gonzalez netted the fourth and final goal, assisted by
Juan Martinez, solidifying La Verne's dominance.
Senior goalkeeper Hector Duenas-Peña anchored La Verne's defense, recording six saves and maintaining a steady presence in goal. He added a highlight reel save in the first half when he dove to his left to stop a penalty kick and protect the Leopards' lead. Duenas-Peña's increased his career total to 122 saves and secured his position as second in the SCIAC with 75 saves this season.
Whittier's Breckon Robirds also put up a strong performance with two saves, but La Verne's relentless offense proved too much.
With this win, La Verne improved to 4-12-1 overall and 4-8-1 in conference play, while Whittier fell to 4-7-3 overall and 3-7-1 in the SCIAC.
Up next, the Leopards will wrap up their season this Friday, November 1, facing Bethesda University. The game will feature a special Senior Day celebration, with pre-game announcements honoring this season's seniors.
