LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Despite erasing a one-goal deficit in the second half, Cal Lutheran conceded a late winner in their 2-1 defeat to Occidental, Saturday night at W.C. Patterson Field.
It proved to be a fairly even contest from start to finish, as the Kingsmen would narrowly edge their opposition in shots (10-9) on the night. The Tigers were slightly more clinical with their chances, putting six of their shots on frame while CLU were only able to manage four shots on target.
Occidental struck first, looking lively with their counter-attacking style. With only a few minutes left to play in the first half, Joey Schwartz managed to find the back of the net to finish off a well-worked goal for the hosts.
The Kingsmen would quickly reply after the halftime whistle after winning a set piece in a dangerous area. Igor Lumbrano took the free kick from the left side of the box and saw Justin Magana in acres of space at the top of the box about 25 yards from goal. The midfielder tried his luck with a long-range effort and his shot would fly into the top right corner of the net to level the score. The sophomore's first collegiate goal would cancel out the Tigers' opener and make the score 1-1.
Cal Lutheran looked the much better team after their equalizer, creating more scoring chances with dynamic play in wide areas. Erick Mejia nearly put his team out in front in the 58th minute when his headed attempt from a corner was impressively saved by the goalkeeper.
As the game would look as if it was headed for overtime, some pressure from the Tigers would force a misplaced pass on CLU's backline in the 81s tminute. Schwartz managed to get on the end of the errant pass and was through on goal. The forward placed his shot well, into the bottom left corner of the net to seal the 2-1 win for his team.
Tallying shots on goal for the Kingsmen were Adrian Graciano, Mejia, Magana, and Lumbrano
Cal Lutheran gets back to action Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. when the Kingsmen head back on the road to take on Chapman.
Box Score: CLU 1, OC 2
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Release by Jeff Rebello, Assistant Sports Information Director