ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – An early injury to its top scorer didn't slow down the unbeaten Southern Oregon men's soccer team in Saturday night's 4-1 win at Soka (Calif.).
Defensive-midfielder Daniel Palomino delivered the first two goals of his career as the Raiders completed their non-conference schedule with a 5-0-1 record. Papa Yansane and Irwin Leon pitched in the others, and SOU's defense ensured that only two of the Lions' 11 shots went on goal.
Palomino, a junior All-Cascade Conference performer, tallied for the first time on a penalty kick in the eighth minute. It came moments after Ariel De Dios Cruz – who'd logged six goals through SOU's first five games – was taken out from behind on a full sprint into the box, prompting a foul call and his exit.
Leon Junker's through-pass that split the middle of the field set up Yansane for the Raiders' second goal in the 44th minute. Less than two minutes into the second half, Palomino made it 3-0 by knocking in a free kick just outside of the box.
Leon provided the finishing touches in the 87th on an advantage set up by another pretty assist from Mustafa Daggig.
Both Leon and Yansane scored for the second game in a row. Leon's goal was his third of the season.
Palomino and Tristan Skerritt played all 90 minutes on the back line, which has surrendered two or fewer shots on goal in three consecutive games.
The Raiders, who received votes in this week's NAIA Top 25 poll, have outscored their opponents 17-3 combined. They're two games away from matching their longest season-opening unbeaten streak.
They'll play their first three CCC games at home, starting Sept. 19 against Evergreen (Wash.).
Soka, a Great Southwest Athletic Conference member that was meeting SOU for the first time, dropped to 0-2-1.