LOS ANGELES – A second-half penalty kick proved to be the difference Friday night as the LMU men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision to California Baptist at Sullivan Field.
The Lions (LMU) generated four shots and placed two on target while goalkeeper
Ky Mani Dade made three saves in the contest. The visitors netted the game's lone goal in the 53rd minute to spoil LMU's bid for a home victory.
LMU looked dangerous early, earning corner kicks in the second and eighth minutes as both sides battled through a physical opening half. California Baptist tested Dade twice before the break, but the Lions' goalkeeper was equal to both chances to keep the match scoreless.
The Lions created their best opportunities late in the first half.
Adrian Alvarez forced consecutive saves in the 40th and 41st minutes, with LMU also earning a corner kick during the stretch. After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the teams headed to the locker room deadlocked at 0-0.
California Baptist broke through shortly after halftime. Following a Dade save, the Lancers were awarded a penalty kick and converted from the spot in the 53rd minute for a 1-0 advantage.
LMU quickly attempted to respond as
Mati Sacristan fired a shot in the 54th minute before the Lions earned another corner kick moments later. The contest remained physical throughout the second half, with multiple fouls and cautions issued as both teams battled for possession.
Searching for an equalizer in the closing minutes, LMU pushed numbers forward and nearly found a breakthrough when
Ismail Nieves recorded a shot in the 89th minute. California Baptist, however, held firm defensively to secure the 1-0 victory.
The Lions return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 16, when they travel to Fullerton, Calif., to take on Cal State Fullerton. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
