Cal Lutheran Defeated in SCIAC Opener
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Leading 1-0 with 30 minutes left in its SCIAC opener, Cal Lutheran was unable to neutralize the scoring threat of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps forward David Taylor as he netted all three goals for the Stags to help defeat the Kingsmen 3-1 Wednesday afternoon.
Box Score: CMS 3, CLU 1 - F
CLU was the first to take the lead in the 60th minute thanks to some fancy footwork initially displayed by forward Raul Yepez.
Outrunning the entire CMS defense on a Stags pass that deflected towards their goal, Yepez successfully gained control of a loose ball and employed enough touch on his chip shot to elude the reach of oncoming CMS goalkeeper Frederick Doar.
The goal was his team-high third of the season, earning his first assist of the season with a textbook lob pass to Yepez was midfielder Luis Santana.
Before the Kingsmen were even able to make the necessary adjustments on defense to help protect its slim advantage, Taylor tied the game at one apiece as CMS sent a flurry of players towards the Cal Lutheran penalty area the moment play resumed, tying the match at one apiece just 14 seconds after the Kingsmen took the lead.
Within a handful of minutes Cal Lutheran's one-goal lead evolved into a one-goal deficit when Taylor's next shot somehow weaved its way through a pack of players battling for position in front of the CLU goal to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
Cal Lutheran's most dangerous scoring opportunity of the second half took place in the 69th minute when a header from midfielder Ivan Sanchez that bounced off the crossbar was followed by a shot from midfielder Luis Santana. Had it not been redirected at the last moment by a diving Doar, the game would have been tied once again.
CMS added to its lead in the 74th minute on a penalty shot that was successfully converted by Taylor.
Cal Lutheran (0-4) will return to action this Saturday, September 19, in a non-conference road match against Chapman (5-0), kick-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
