The California Lutheran University Kingsmen soccer team (2-8-2, 1-4-2 conference) was shut out by the University of California, Santa Cruz Banana Slugs (6-5-1) 1-0 on Senior Night, Saturday at William Rolland Stadium.
Before kickoff, the Kingsmen honored 13 seniors: Isaak Tanaka, Lance Park, Danny Rodriguez, Tika Kakimoto, Tab Buongervino, Max Scott, Cole Cederwall, Alejandro Loza, Alijah Mexia, Nico Calderone, Kane Reese, Jack Gominiak and Skyler McElhannon for their contributions to the program.
Goalkeeper Tanaka recorded a career-high nine total saves, including six in the first 28 minutes, according to CLU Sports. Despite his strong defensive efforts, the Banana Slugs capitalized in the 33rd minute, finding the back of the net for the lone goal of the match.
Cal Lutheran entered halftime down 1-0, but created several offensive chances late in the half that built momentum heading into the break.
Head Coach Miguel Ruiz said the ongoing challenge for the Kingsmen as a team is being โcalm and collectedโ when scoring opportunities arise, so that they can โput the ball in the back of the net.โ
Coming out of halftime, the Kingsmen continued to press the attack. Senior forward Alejandro Loza led the team with six shot attempts, testing the Banana Slugs defense throughout the second half. Tanaka added a pair of key saves after the break to keep Cal Lutheran within one.
Ruiz said that while he hoped the Kingsmen would have come out with the win, โit was a good day to honor our seniors,โ and that the Kingsmen are still โin the hunt for a playoff berth.โ
Senior midfielder and captain Kane Reese said the teamโs energy was strong from start to finish.
โI thought the energy was there,โ Reese said. โI feel like, defensively, we were solid.โย
Reese said he was proud of how the seniors embraced the moment and said he appreciated the support from the crowd.
โIt was a lot of energy at the game,โ Reese said. โWe had a lot more people at the game than we usually do, so that was fun.โ
Senior defender Skyler McElhannon said the match reflected an unfortunate pattern the Kingsmen have encountered with their opponentsโ scoring drives throughout the season.
โIt always seems likeโฆone mistake causes the goal,โ McElhannon said.ย
McElhannon said the night was special regardless of the result, and that it was โgood to see some guys get in.โ
Nearing the end of the regular season, Ruiz said the team must now โlock inโ and continue to push for a playoff spot.
The Kingsmen will look to rebound when they return to conference play on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., hosting the Occidental College Tigers at William Rolland Stadium.
