COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Eastern Oregon men's soccer team picked up its second win of the season and first in regulation on Friday evening. After playing four consecutive matches of overtime ball, the Mountaineers sealed the win in 90 minutes in their final non-conference match up at No. 11 Vanguard University 2-0.
Seeming to be unaffected by their tiring double overtime tie on Wednesday, the Mounties (2-2-1) came out firing with two goals in the first six minutes of play. Senior Carlos Solorio opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, netting his second goal of the season after receiving a square ball across the face of the goal from Joaquin Bermejillo before putting it into the back of the net. Junior Mike Dias would be the second name on the score sheet, heading home his second goal of the year by nosing it over keeper Victor Negrete's reach. Dias' goal was assisted by Calvin Mitchell, making the score 2-0 early.
Although Vanguard (2-3-0) was their highest ranked opponent thus far, it was arguably their most comfortable win of the season. In the first half alone, the Mountaineers led the shot count 10-5, adding another seven to that in the second half, with seven of them being on goal.
It was a physical battle across the 90 minutes with a total of 27 fouls between the two sides. Vanguard committed 19 of them while drawing three yellow cards.
EOU almost snagged a third goal with 27 minutes left when goalkeeper Max Rose ventured up the field, finding Alexander Zuluago with the ball, who beat a defender to force Negrete to make a save that resulted in a corner for the Mounties.
Despite only making one official save, Rose played a solid 80 minutes in goal, playing a crucial role in the win, making good reads on potential opportunities for the Lions. Fellow keeper Antonio Gracia closed out the final 10 minutes for the Mounties for the shutout.
Mitchell paced the attack with four shots, while Zuluaga had three with all three on goal.
The Mountaineers next begin conference play on September 20 in Eugene at Northwest Christian.
For more information on Eastern Oregon men's soccer, follow @EOUAthletics or visit eousports.com.
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Contact: Iain Dexter; 541-962-3946; idexter@eou.edu