WHITTIER, CA – The University of La Verne men's soccer team took a 2-0 lead early in the second half and the Leopards pushed past the Whittier College Poets with a 2-1 win.

Adan Villarreal led the Leopards with a brace, scoring both goals in a span of 12 minutes. Villarreal gave the Leopards the lead in the 41st minute when he headed in a goal off a cross from the far side of the field by Angel Loza.

He scored his second goal seven and a half minutes into the second period when he drove into the box and beat the keeper to the near side.

"I'm very proud of this result from our players. We had a plan and they stuck with it throughout some ups and downs in the match," said University of La Verne head men's soccer coach Trevor Persson.

La Verne started the game playing stellar defense only, allowing two shots in the first half. Hector Duenas-Peña tallied up seven saves. 

"We played a complete first half and started sluggish in the second. We had to make some changes due to an injury and fatigue but the substitutions provided some positive energy. We left with three points against a very solid Whittier team and now shift our focus to Saturday at home against Caltech," added Persson.

La Verne improved to 2-0 in the SCIAC and 3-5 overall. The Leopards continue conference play against Caltech at home, Saturday, September 28 at 7 p.m.