LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne men's soccer team scored three second-half goals to triumph over the Whittier College Poets, 3-1 Wednesday night.
It was a huge win for the Leopards, who were going up against a team with a favorable record and still looking for their first victory against SCIAC competition.
The Leopards improved to 4-2-4 and remained undefeated at Ortmayer Stadium with a record of 4-0.
The first half of play was quiet from the Leopards' side. A single goal from Whittier went unanswered through the first 45 minutes of play.
The Leopards began their onslaught in the second half.
Joel Trejo, fresh off scoring a 50-plus yard goal at Cal Lutheran, scored first. The junior set up for a free kick in the 58th minute outside the box and drilled another highlight-reel goal to the top corner of the net. Hampered by an injury at the start of the season, Trejo, who played for the Leopards in 2021 and 2022 before coming back this year, has made a major difference since returning. He's scored two goals in just three games.?
A couple of minutes later,
Alexander Bastidas was awarded a penalty kick after a reckless challenge from the Whittier goalkeeper. Bastidas found the back of the net in the left corner, completely tricking the keeper, and earning his fourth goal of the season.
In the final seven minutes of play,
Diego Soto launched himself at a pass from
Juan Manzano for the third and final Leopard goal of the contest. Soto's header was his fourth goal of the season while Manzano earned his fifth assist.
Joshua Simonton once again held it down for the Leopards with seven total saves on the night. In eight games played, Simonton has a SCIAC-leading 47 saves.
The Leopards stay in La Verne for their next matchup against the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags on Saturday, October 3rd at 7 p.m.
