Seniors shine on Senior Night, Clinch SCIAC playoff berth

ORANGE, Calif. – Five goals in the second half secured a crucial 5-1 come-from-behind win for the Chapman University men's soccer team over visiting Caltech on Monday night at Wilson Field. Freshman Justo Garcia netted a brace to help the Panthers clinch a berth in the SCIAC Tournament on the Panthers 'Senior Night' and final home match of the season.

The Panthers (12-4-2, 9-4-2 SCIAC) secured a much needed win as they finish up the final round of SCIAC play. Caltech took the early lead when senior Schaffer Reed headed the ball in off a free kick by Jack Banaszak form 40 yards out.

Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Garcia crossed the ball center to senior Marco Saglimbeni who squared up and fired the ball past Caltech goalkeeper to tie the match 1-1. Just seven minutes later, Garcia netted the Panthers game-winner following up on a loose ball. The ball was knocked loose and kicked around in the box succeeding a shot by junior Zev Gollis.

Just two minutes later the Panthers caught fire scoring two goals over a three-minute span. Junior Elliott Braund ripped a shot from 20 yards out of a soft pass from freshman Jonah Tipp to lift Chapman up 3-1. Garcia tallied his second goal at the 63-minute mark to help Chapman to a 4-1 lead, scoring on cross from left-wing Grant Fremmerlid.

The Panthers final goal was a career first for freshman Max Wilson. The freshman recorded the insurance goal on a deflected pass from freshman Ryan Onart.

The Panthers will travel to Pomona-Pitzer for their last regular game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. Saturday's match will determine the Panthers seeding in the SCIAC Tournament.

by Raquel Rinauro
Sports Information Assistant

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