LOS ANGELES – Alejandro Fuentesal-Atalaya scored for the second consecutive match and the LMU men's soccer team defeated Pacific 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Sullivan Field. 

 

The Lions early season struggles are all but forgotten as they are now unbeaten in seven straight matches. They have allowed only three goals over that span. 

 

LMU almost got the scoring started very early through Hakeem Morgan. The graduate transfer received a ball at the top of the penalty area, turned and fired a venomous shot towards the near post. The ball made it through a maze of defenders before whizzing past the post. 

 

Fuentesal-Atalaya's first opportunity came late in the first half when he found some space at the top of the penalty area and drilled a low shot that was scooped up by the goalkeeper. 

 

This season, the Lions have been excellent in close games and that trend continued on Saturday.  

 

Just eight minutes into the second half, the Lions would take the lead for good. Adrien Gameiro made his way up the left side of the pitch before feeding Fuentesal-Atalaya at the top of the penalty area. Fuentesal-Atalaya used a deft touch to go past his marker before opening up his body and ripping a shot. The ball took a slight deflection before hitting the back of the net. Fuentesal-Atalaya wheeled away in celebration as he was mobbed by his teammates.  

 

The Lions nearly got another goal when Mydas Smalls made a darting run to the endline. With the goalkeeper bearing down on him, Smalls took a powerful right-footed shot that stung the post before deflecting out of play for a goal kick. 

 

The Lions are looking to continue their successes as they wrap up their nonconference season with a trip to Seattle to play the University of Washington on Monday, October 21. They return home to face San Francisco on Saturday, October 26.