COSTA MESA, California – Vanguard managed to score two goals as Hawai'i Hilo Men's Soccer fell to the Lions, 2-0, Saturday afternoon in Pacific West Conference play at the VU Soccer Field.

Vanguard netted goals in the 38th and 80th minutes with scores by Connor McCoy and Niko Ochoa, respectively.

Hawai'i Hilo had many opportunities in outshooting the Lions, 14-11, and even 5-5 in shots on goal. The Vulcans also took a 9-3 advantage with corner kicks.

For the time being, the Vulcans have slid down in the PacWest standings, but with Menlo, Vanguard and Jessup in Year 2 of a three-year NAIA-NCAA transition period, they will be ineligible for NCAA postseason play. In terms of qualification for the conference tournament, Hawai'i Hilo currently sits at No. 8.

OTHER NOTABLES

• Junior Lukas Stark made his second start of the season.
• Freshman Kanilau Tolentino-Perry made his collegiate debut with his first appearance of the season.
• Christian Souza tabbed three saves in goal, moving to No. 1 all-time in program history (146 career saves) — surpassing Nick Williams' (17-18) mark of 143.

UP NEXT

Hawai'i Hilo moved to 2-4 in the PacWest (7-5 overall) as Vanguard moved to a 4-2 conference record (6-3-1 overall).

The Vulcans continue through Southern California taking on Azusa Pacific (Oct. 21), Biola (Oct. 24) and Westmont (Oct. 26). Hawai'i Hilo will return for a two-game home stand to close the regular season, hosting Fresno Pacific (Nov. 2) and Chaminade (Nov. 9).

The top four teams in the regular season standings will qualify for the inaugural PacWest Conference Championships set for Nov. 14-16 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.