LOS ANGELES — LMU men's soccer opened its home slate with a 2-1 victory over American University on Sunday afternoon at Sullivan Field, powered by first-half goals from Ismael Mane and Hugo Tavares. 

Mane put the Lions in front in the 26th minute, finishing inside the box off a feed from Ismail Nieves for his first goal of the year. Less than five minutes later, Tavares doubled the advantage, converting from the top of the area after a setup from Anthony Boyadjian. 

American pulled one back in the 55th minute through Colin O'Brien, but LMU's defense held firm the rest of the way. The Eagles played the final 15 minutes with 10 men following a red card, and LMU saw out the result despite finishing with a red card of its own in the 87th minute. 

The Lions controlled the run of play throughout, outshooting American 12-2 while earning six corner kicks. Mane led the attack with four shots, including two on frame, while goalkeeper Philip Hovers played the full 90 minutes without facing another shot on target in the run of play. 

LMU (1-1) travels to Dallas, Tex. to face No. 5 SMU on Thursday, August 28 in their next matchup.