The Loyola Marymount University Lions men's soccer team (10-5-3, 5-1-0 WCC) found themselves in a defensive battle with host No. 12 Saint Mary's and gave up goals early in the first half and late in the second which proved to be the difference in a 2-0 loss to the Gaels. LMU dropped their first game in almost a month but still has an opportunity to claim a share of the West Coast Conference Championship with a win and a Gaels loss next weekend.
 
The Lions, riding a season-long tying four game winning streak, came into Saint Mary's Stadium with their sights set on claiming the automatic qualifying berth for the NCAA Tournament but couldn't provide enough offense against SMC.
 
In the first half the Lions were outshot by the Gaels (2-0) and corners (7-1) as both team's defenses were on full display. The first 45 minutes saw offensive chances rare but Saint Mary's managed to put a goal on the board in the 12th minute and took a 1-0 lead into the locker room.
 
In the beginning of the second half the Lions aggressiveness on the offensive end was evident as their chances started to filter through the Gaels defense. Jack Sauls, the reigning WCC Player of the Week, put a shot on goal in the 57th minute but it sailed over the crossbar keeping the Lions behind by one. 
 
The Lions put together a pair of offensive chances in the 61st and 62nd minute as Noel Caliskan's shot was blocked and team-leading goal scorer Duhaney Williams' shot was saved by the Gaels keeper.  
 
LMU's defense was able to turn the Gaels away for a majority of the second half but Williams, already playing with one yellow card was issued a second yellow, forcing the Lions to play a man down the final five minutes of the match.
 
With the man advantage the Gaels were able to push another ball past Jacob Jackson giving them a two-goal lead and the victory.
 
Up next for the Lions is the regular season finale against San Francisco at Negoesco Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.