California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

    Kingsmen soccer falls to Redlands in double overtime heartbreaker

    Members of the California Lutheran University menโ€™s soccer team fell to the ground, as they watched the University of Redlands Bulldogs celebrate their winning goal scored in the last minute of double overtime. The Kingsmen just fell short to the Bulldogs, finishing 1-0 on Saturday, Sep. 27 at William Rolland Stadium.

    The Kingsmen ended the game with a total of nine shots, while the Bulldogs had a total of 23 shots on goal. A total of 22 fouls were called against both the Kingsmen and Bulldogs during regular regulation time; however, neither team was backing down. Every player for the Kingsmen got an opportunity to play some time on the field, allowing players to get a short rest, while playing on the hot turf.

    Despite the loss, Head Coach Miguel Ruiz said he was happy with Cal Lutheranโ€™s performance against Redlands, a team that often dominates the conference.

    โ€œIโ€™m very proud of the boys and today I’m so, so excited,โ€ said Ruiz. โ€œWe fought till the last second and I’m just excited to see what weโ€ฆcould build from this.โ€

    After 90 minutes of regulation play, the score remained tied at zero. The Kingsmen continued to battle in both the first and second 10-minute sudden-victory overtime periods. With just one minute left in the second and final overtime period, the Bulldogs capitalized on a mistake made by the Kingsmen offensive line. The Bulldogs took possession of the ball and Bulldogs first-year midfielder Avery Jacobson crossed the ball to the left side. Bulldogs senior forward Kayvon Parsa took a shot at the back post, getting itย past Kingsmen sophomore goalkeeper Antonio Welch and into the back of the net.

    Welch had a total of nine saves to keep the Kingsmen in the game for a total of 109 minutes. He remained positive and said he was happy with the effort the team put into the game.

    โ€œWe played every minute, especially the last few secondsโ€ฆthe heart that the boys would put out today was good, but it was a loss. It’s bitter, but I mean, we gave it our all and we gave a running to one of the top teams in the league,โ€ Welch said.

    The Kingsmen now fall 3-4 in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play and 3-7 overall.

    The Kingsmen will host the Chapman University Panthers on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

    โ€œIf we bring the same intensity that we did today, there shouldn’t be any issues,โ€ Assistant Coach Nick Garcia said. โ€œSo it’s just a matter of regrouping and kind of getting our heads together again.โ€

    Bryan Duda
    Reporterย