LA VERNE, CA - With everything on the line at Ortmayer Stadium on Saturday night, the University of La Verne men's soccer team rose to the occasion, defeating the Whittier College Poets, 2-0, to clinch a spot in the SCIAC Tournament.

The Leopards finish the regular season in fifth place and advance to the first round of the SCIAC Tournament. La Verne will face the Chapman Panthers this Tuesday at 5 PM at Ernie Chapman Stadium.

It is the first time the Leopards have qualified for the SCIAC Tournament since 2016.

With the Poets directly above the Leopards in the SCIAC standings, it was a must win game for La Verne, who needed the three crucial points a win would bring them to jump above Whittier in the standings.

The Leopards came to play, taking advantage of mistakes made by Whittier's defense. Midfielder Alexander Bastidas broke through in the 20th minute, battling past the Whittier goalkeeper Jake Marks' defense and sending a right-footed shot into the open net.

The Leopards capitalized again with five minutes remaining in the first period. Forward Alex Singleton intercepted the ball from the Whittier defense and made a stellar shot with his left foot that extended the Leopards' lead to 2-0.

The score would hold, as 3-time SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Week Hector Duenas-Pena tallied another four saves, putting his regular season total at 73 and finishing on top of the SCIAC leaderboard.

Shots: La Verne 9, Whittier 11
Saves: La Verne 4, Whittier 1
Corner Kicks: La Verne 4, Whittier 2
Fouls: La Verne 14, Whittier 14

Words from Head Coach Drew Rea:
"This is amazing for the boys. I'm just so excited," said Rea. "Our goal was to get to the playoffs and give ourselves a chance. We're so pleased, so happy."