LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne men's soccer team fell to the first-place Redlands Bulldogs 1-0 Saturday evening.
This contest was the final game of the regular season for the Leopards, which was important in deciding the seeding for the upcoming SCIAC playoffs. With an overall record of 7-5-7, La Verne ends teh regular season at third place in the conference. The Leopards are just below Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in the standings, which indicates a rematch between the two squads next week.
Playoff Picture
Now with seeding fully decided, the Leopards have their sights set on No. 2 seed CMS. La Verne heads out to Claremont to take on the Stags in the SCIAC semifinals Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m. The Leopards and Stags played once in the regular season, with CMS taking home the 2-1 win. The third place showing is the Leopards' best SCIAC finish since 2016, when they took third.
Redlands entered Saturday's game already clinching the regular season title and No.1 seed. The Bulldogs await the winner of No. 4 seed Pomona-Pitzer and No. 5 seed Whittier.
Game Time
At kickoff, the Bulldogs came out swinging. In just the first half alone, Redlands took thirteen shots. Despite stellar play from Joshua Simonton in goal, who picked up eight saves in the first half, just one lone goal got through in the 18th minute.
Both teams were incredibly evenly matched following the goal. Redlands dominated possession, but there were a couple of chances for the Leopards. La Verne wasn't able to get anything going, however, which left the final score at 1-0.
