IRVINE, Calif. – Eastern Oregon men's soccer remained unbeaten to start the season, grinding out a 2-1 road win over Westcliff University on Saturday evening at OC Great Park. The Mountaineers (2-0-0) capitalized on early scoring and held firm late to hand the Warriors (2-2-1) a home loss.
EOU wasted no time asserting itself, striking twice in the opening 17 minutes. Senior midfielder Daniel Kropf opened the scoring in the 6th minute, finishing a setup from Jesus Alvarez. Alvarez doubled the advantage in the 17th minute, this time off an assist from Henry Lopez, giving Eastern Oregon a quick 2-0 lead.
Despite being outshot 17-12 overall—including 11-8 in the second half—the Mounties' defense and goalkeeper Anthony Lemus stood tall. Lemus made two saves on three shots on goal to preserve the win.
Westcliff pulled one back in the 82nd minute when Adi Vaknin scored on a pass from Sohaib Owais, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit. The Warriors pressed late but couldn't find the equalizer.
Alvarez finished with a team-high two shots on goal to go along with his goal and assist. Kropf's opener marked his first goal of the season, while Lopez picked up his second assist of the year.
The match featured plenty of physicality, with seven yellow cards issued and a red card shown to Westcliff's Finn Pock in the 89th minute.
The Mounties continue their California road trip Monday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. in Santa Clarita against The Master's University.