Lancaster, Calif. - The Golden Eagles men's soccer team fought to the final second in what resulted to be a 0-0 tie, at the University of Antelope Valley. Looking to secure a playoff spot, La Sierra knew they needed a win to earn a berth in the Cal Pac Championship. But the team settled for one point, in the tie, and will now need some help in order to qualify.
Both teams had a handful of scoring chances spread out throughout the entire match, but were unable to find the back of the net. Relative to those scoring chances, both goalkeepers made game-saving acrobatic saves in order to keep the match scoreless. Leading the way was the Golden Eagles goalkeeper, Robert Rodriquez who finished with nine saves. He was also assisted by his defense that headed a ball away from danger as it was clearly sailing into the net. The Pioneers' Jorge Madera tallied five saves during the course of the match.
Tonight's match was the final regular season Cal Pac match for the Golden Eagles, who will close the regular season out with a home match versus Providence Christian, this coming Saturday night. Prior to Saturday night's match the team will honor their seniors, Robert Rodriquez and Dakota Shelton.
La Sierra will now have to rely on some help in order to get one of the two South Division spots in the Cal Pac Championship, starting on November 12, in Wilmington, California (hosted by Marymount University). The University of California-Merced and Simpson University have already locked up the two berths from the North Division, along with the host, Marymount University, who has locked up one of the two spots in the South Division.
La Sierra or Embry-Riddle will fill the final playoff spot. The Golden Eagles (6-4-2, 20 points) are currently five points ahead of Embry-Riddle (5-5, 15 points). Embry-Riddle has two Cal Pac home matches remaining, on Friday versus Antelope Valley and on Sunday versus Soka. If the Embry-Riddle finishes 2-0 in those two matches, they will secure the final playoff spot. If the Eagles finish 1-1 or 1-0-1, La Sierra will be awarded the South Division number two seed. Please monitor our social sites to stay updated during the course of the weekend.
