The Master's University men's soccer team fell short against the La Sierra Golden Eagles by a score of 4-1 Thursday in Riverside, Calif.
The Mustangs kept the score close, trailing by just one goal in the final six minutes before La Sierra added on two more in 84th and 89th minute.
"This was not a 4-1 game, it was a 2-1 game for the majority of the time," TMU Head Coach Jim Rickard said. "I told them I was super proud of them and their effort."
TMU went scoreless for the first half but backed by a strong defensive effort, went into the half tied 0-0. TMU out shot La Sierra 7-4 in the first half but the scoring exploded after the break.
In the 58th minute, Sean Palena of La Sierra broke the scoreless tie but
Tyler Mora tied it right back up when he netted a shot just four minutes later off an assist from
Trent Rickard.
TMU had their opportunities but a goal in the 67th minute by Palena again pushed the lead back to the Golden Eagles who never gave it up.
"It was 2-1 with five minutes left but a good team punished us for our mistakes," Coach Rickard said. "We battled and we had a good chance but they are one of the best, if not the best in the conference right now."
La Sierra scored again in the 84th minute and a Master's foul led to the final goal with just five seconds remaining.
Trent Rickard tallied four shots with two on goal and Mora had two shots on goal as well.
Julian Graham notched five saves from his goalie position.
The Mustangs will compete next on the road this Saturday against the Hope International University Royals at Irvine Great Park in Irvine, Calif.
