Men's Soccer suffers first home loss after late La Verne goal

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University men's soccer team surrendered a late goal in a 2-1 loss to visiting La Verne on Saturday. Junior Marco Saglimbeni scored his fifth goal of the season in the loss.

La Verne (6-1-0, 3-1-0 SCIAC) went up early when junior Briley Venti launched a shot from 25 yards out that found the top left corner of the goal. Chapman (3-3-2, 2-2-0) went on to outshoot the Leopards 6-3 in the first half but couldn't find the equalizer.

The Panthers pulled even less than 10 minutes into the second half. With the ball deep in the Panthers attacking half, sophomore Grant Fremmerlid tossed a throw-in into the 18-yard box. Junior Connor Tobia leapt above the defense and flicked the ball toward the back post. Saglimbeni quickly volleyed the ball into the back of the net to knot the match at 1-1.

With both teams pushing forward La Verne was able to launch seven shots in the second half and put two on goal. Sophomore goalie Matt Deemer was able to come up with a save but Alfredo Garcia scored the game-winner when he was played in behind the defense for a 1-on-1 opportunity in the 85th minute.

Chapman hits the road next week as it continues SCIAC play. The Panthers visit Pomona-Pitzer on Sept. 21 for a 4 p.m. matchup.