Bulldogs unleash on ULV

by Gloria Diaz
Arts & Entertainment Editor

The University of La Verne men's soccer team finished up the season with games against the University of Redlands, Pomona-Pitzer and Claremont-Mudd-Sripps.

On Wednesday, the Bulldogs dominated the game for a 6-1 victory.

During the first 15 minutes of play, the Bulldogs were able to tuck away two goals, putting them on the scoreboard with a score of 2-0.

La Verne attempted to gain control of the ball, but Redlands continued to command the action as they would steal the ball away from the Leopards numerous times throughout the game.

Goals seemed to come easy to the Bulldogs as they managed to get close to the box twice in two minutes for simple scoring opportunities that they finished to propel their lead to 4-0.

An attempt by Josh Miller was stopped in its tracks by Bulldog goalie Geoff Raives.

But that would not damper the spirits of the Leopards as they would once again try in the second half to not make this match another shut out.

With less than 10 minutes left in the first half, the Bulldogs once again sent the ball past ULV defenders to drive the score up to 5-0 at halftime. During halftime, head coach Cres Gonzalez presented the senior players with a framed jersey and a present for the players' parents.

"It was great playing with the guys. I'm going to miss the camaraderie and the friendships," said senior defender John Helmer.

In the second half, the Leopards answered to the Bulldogs' barks as they would score a goal of their own.

Chet Jusakul played a set piece ball over to Brandon Karmann, who then sent the ball flying past the Bulldog goalie to bring the score to 1-5. Karmann also scored in the last game in his freshman year, Gonzalez said.

"It was bittersweet because it's my last game," Karmann said. "It's a good ending for me, personally."

The crowd erupted to its feet and cheered wildly as this would be the only goal ULV would score in the match.

"I'm glad we scored. It was kind of nice," Gonzalez said.

But the Bulldogs would not yield as they would end up making one last goal of the season to end the game at 6-1.

"I was very pleased especially in the second half. I'm glad we didn't give up; we could have, but we kept our energy up to keep playing," Helmer said.

"The purpose for this game for us was mainly to play the last game and to get done with the season," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez ended his first season as head coach very proud of his players and the goals they accomplished.

"I am happy with the season, but I'm really looking forward to the future," Gonzalez said.