Since their conference match-ups began, the men’s soccer team has proven their worth. Not only have they earned themselves first in their Golden State Athletic Conference, they have gone undefeated with a 7-0-1 record. With only The Master’s College and Arizona Christian College standing in their way of clinching conference, the Eagles have not shown signs of stopping in their last two matches.

A Physical Match

Tensions were high in Biola’s extremely physical match against Hope International University. Nonetheless, thanks to two goals made by senior midfielder John Hanscom, the Eagles topped the Royals with a final score of 2-1.

If tensions with Hope International were high, the Eagles match against their longstanding rival Vanguard University was even higher. Both teams have been neck-and-neck for first place in their conference since the start of their conference match-up. However, Vanguard lost to The Master’s College, which allowed Biola to take over first place in the division. Ever since that match the Eagles have stayed on top and cushioned their lead in the division with a 1-0 victory over the Lions. The Eagles were able to top their rival and move within a game of the GSAC title thanks to a goal from senior forward Stephen Tanquary late in the second half.

Getting Results

Although many of the men’s soccer players do not appear on the overall GSAC stat leaders, their results speak for themselves. Despite the fact he did not appear very high on the overall goals list, Hanscom has made the most goals in conference match-ups all around the division. He leads the division with seven conference goals, two of which led to the Eagles’ victory over Hope International. Junior forward Leonardo Contreras is tied for fourth overall for goals with 12 for the season. Five of those goals were made during conference match-ups and he is tied for third in conference goals.

In both overall and conference saves, senior goalkeeper J.T. Addington leads the division goalies. Over the whole season he is tied for first with 14 saves, and in the eight conference match-ups he has made seven saves.

Importance

The team knows how important their next two games are. Wins in their last two games against the Master’s College and Arizona Christian University could decide whether they finish out on top of their conference.

“Everything relies on those games and we know it. These are the games we have been training for all season,” Addington said. “They are crucial, without those wins we can’t be in first.”

Preparation

With first place in their GSAC tournament more solidified, the Eagles prepare for one of their last matches of the regular season against The Master’s College on Oct. 21 at 4:00 p.m.