LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne men's soccer team hosted the University of California Santa Cruz Banana Slugs in a defensive battle Wednesday night. A late goal at the end of the second half proved to be the difference-maker in the 1-0 loss. 

The Leopards' defense redeemed itself after a tough outing last time out, preventing the Banana Slugs from getting into an offensive rhythm. 

Hector Duenas-Peña put on a great performance, finishing with five saves including several diving stops. He made a charging save early in the match on a one-on-one breakaway that kept UCSC off the board.

UCSC sophomore winger Nico Herrera-Land scored the game's lone goal with 36 seconds remaining in the half.

La Verne played tough defensively in the second half, allowing just two shots, but the Leopards could only manage two shots of their own and couldn't convert.

The Leopards move to 1-5 overall

Next Game 

The Leopards kick off conference play on Saturday, September 21, when they host California Lutheran University at 1 p.m.