Home success continues as Chapman rolls past Caltech

ORANGE, Calif. – Matching a season-high with three goals, the Chapman University men's soccer team rolled to a 3-1 win over visiting Caltech on Monday night. The Panthers' remained tough to beat at home, improving their record at Wilson Field to 2-0-1 this season.

Chapman's return home after playing nine of its first 11 games on the road was much welcomed. The Panthers had gone 4-5 in those away games, but are now 2-0-1 at home. Chapman will play five of their final seven games at Wilson Field. 

Chapman (6-5-1) fired a myriad of shots in the first half, but could only find the back of the net once. The Panthers broke the scoreless tie in the 29th minute on a one-timer goal by freshman F Nick Echeverry from junior M Chris Duran. Echeverry's goal elevated his season total in points to 12, which is tied for the most on the team. 

Sophomore F Mauricio Alfonso scored from deep on what proved to be the game-winner. While coming up empty-handed on his other five shots, Alfonso hit a 40-yard shot that put the game out of reach. The goal is Alfonso's third of the season that is two behind team-leader senior M Dalton Sweaney.

Sophomore M Francesco Onorati added an insurance goal, his first goal of the season in the 87th minute. 

Onarati was not alone breaking into the scorecard for the first time this season.  With 10 seconds left, Caltech (0-5) scored its first goal of the season via a long pass from goalkeeper Marcus Lucas which found the feet of Kunmi Jeje who snapped the Beavers' scoreless streak.

by Robert Flicker
Sports Information Intern

Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/msoc/2010-11/files/cit-cu.htm