Box Score Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College Men's Soccer team fought hard Saturday afternoon at Vanguard University but couldn't overcome a one-goal deficit as they fell 2-1.
The Purple & Gold now drop to 1-2, while Vanguard improves to 4-3, which includes a 4-0 all-time mark against the Poets. All three goals were scored in the first half with the eventual game-winner coming a minute after the Poets tied the game up.
The Pride struck in the 32nd minute from Andrew Robles who was fed by Alex Gonzales. This lead though would be short-lived as senior RayRay Roberson (Albuquerque, NM) would connect in the 40th minute, one of two shots he took on the game. On Vanguard's next possession though they would convert off a free kick from 35-yards out as Blake Tourville would lose his defender back post eventually tapping in the game-winner off the side frame.
In the second half both teams picked it up defensively as both keepers posted shutouts across the final 45:00 minutes. WC was forced to play a man down after a red card was issued to Daniel Hayes (Chicago, Ill.) but their defensive unit stood strong keeping the game a one-goal differential.
Teddy Nickerson (Seattle, WA) played all 90:00 minutes between the posts finishing with eight saves. Along with Roberson, Banks Telkamp (Seattle, WA) took two strikes and was joined by Hayes and Tommy Yarbrough (Encinitas, Calif.) who each added another.
Whittier was outshot 21-6 and was at a disadvantage on corner kicks 8-2.
Whittier hosts Caltech this Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00pm in their home and Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) opener.
