This week men’s soccer skillfully trump the Antelope Valley Pioneers 2-0 on Sept. 9. This victory allowed the team to preserve their undefeated season, successfully securing another rung on the ladder towards the NAIA National Tournament.
After a swell of early offensive charges, Biola scored first at the ten minute mark with a strike from junior midfielder John Hanscom. The goal sparked from a misplaced corner kick leading to Hanscom’s tap in. Biola wasted no time before tallying another point when junior forward Stephen Tanquary put one past the Pioneer’s goaltender at the fifteen minute mark with a helpful assist from freshman defender Clayton Mohler.
After a scoreless second half Biola defeated the Pioneer’s 2-0. Both head coach Todd Elkins and Tanquary agreed that they could have produced more chances after the second goal.
“We expected at least four or five goals this game,” Tanquary said. “We did not play up to the standards we put on ourselves. We got the result, but we expect to be better.”
When asked on how this season’s team compares to previous years, coach Elkins said, “It’s still to be determined. We were a gun blazing team of attack, attack, attack. This year we could have a more balanced team. The guys that were here last year have extra attention to not miss opportunities.” Tanquary added, “We are a solid group of guys. Our camaraderie will be the key to success.”
Even former Biola soccer player Julio Cuevaz stated, “The team looks more fit and athletic than ever, but less composed. It is nice to see some new faces, but the team is missing some key players.”
The team’s encouraging start to the season cannot mask the disappointing loss in last year’s Golden State Athletic Conference final match. Biola was one win away from grasping a spot in the National Tournament. This year the team is focused on doing what could not be done last year.
“We don’t want to lose again, and we know that every game counts. Every game we have to come prepared. If you wanna be a champion, you can’t slip up,” Tanquary said.
Biola hopes to carry this early success into their upcoming game Sept. 13 against Our Lady of the Lake University in Prescott, Ariz.
