Redding, Calif. - Edgar Padilla score two goals, leading the Golden Eagles to 3-2 victory over Simpson University in today's Cal Pac opener. Following the lead of the women's volleyball team the men's soccer team picked a good time to jump into the win column, as they opened their Cal Pac schedule this afternoon at Simpson University.
Padilla scored the only goal of the first half (40th minute), on an assist by Raymundo Maldonado.
The Red Hawks tied the score at 1-1 when Jonathan Dinius scored the equalizer in the 77th minute, assisted by Mitchell Boyle.
Javier Orduna answered right back, putting La Sierra back in the lead with a goal in the 79th minute (assisted by Irvin Alberto). Padilla followed things up with his second goal and eventual game-winner, in the 87th minute, off an assist by Francisco Hernandez.
The Red Hawks were able to cut the lead to 3-2 on an unassisted goal in the final minutes, but the Golden Eagles were able to hang on for the victory.
The two teams finished with a similar tally of shots on goal, with La Sierra leading both teams with eight, followed by Simpson's seven shots on goal. But the Golden Eagles held a clear advantage in total shots, 24-14.
Jaime Valencia picked up his first win between the pipes for La Sierra, finishing the match with five saves and two goals allowed.
The win pushes the Golden Eagles record to 1-0 in Cal Pac play (1-4 overall). They will now turn their focus towards Menlo College. La Sierra and Menlo will match-up in another Cal Pac match on Thursday afternoon, in Atherton, CA. Thursday's match will be the conference opener for the Oaks, who will enter the match with a 1-2-2 record on the season.
