Men’s soccer falls to Oxy on senior day

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University men's soccer team fell 1-0 to the visiting Occidental Tigers earlier this afternoon. The Panthers celebrated nine seniors for their effort in the Chapman uniform over the last four years.

After a scoreless 26 minutes, the Tigers earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Occidental junior Jack Meeker stepped up to take the kick. The defender hit the ball hard, knocking it off the wall. The unlucky deflection made its way into the back of the net and proved to be the only goal of the match.

The bulk of the match was played in the midfield, as both teams put a combined three shots on frame. Panther goalkeeper Chandler Siemonsma and Tigers goalkeeper Scott Drazan each only had to make one save in the match.

Chapman dominated in possession time, holding the ball for 59 percent of the match as opposed to Occidental's 41 percent. The Panthers earned six corner kicks, but the Tigers defense proved themselves in their own defensive third.

Chapman's best opportunity came in the 40th minute when sophomore Tony Gianotti hit a low driven ball headed for the far post. Drazan just barely got a finger on it in a full extension to push it wide of the net, keeping a clean sheet.

Seniors Andrew Moreland, Jonah Tipp, Jarod Matteoni, Max Wilson, Connor McLane and Patrick Quinn all earned starts in their final home SCIAC match. Seniors Justo Garcia and Ryan Onart did not play due to injury and Shanoah Montano was also recognized before the match.

The Panthers return home on Monday, Oct. 28 to host UC Santa Cruz at 2 p.m. in their final home match of the 2019 season.

by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant

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