Atherton, CA – The Hope International men's soccer team (11-3-4) fell 3-1 to Vanguard in the semifinals of the GSAC Championships on Thursday afternoon in Atherton, CA.

It was the Lions who struck first as they scored right out of the gate to make it 1-0 in the first minute. The Royals regrouped and fought to get back in the game as they created several scoring opportunities but were unable to break through. The Lions then added another on an own goal in the 32nd minute to make it 2-0. Then right before half time the Lions scored another in the 43rd minute as the Royals trailed 3-0 at halftime. The Royals didn't give up though as they came out strong in the second half creating multiple opportunities as they outshot the Lions 14-2 in the second half. Things got more difficult for the Royals when a player received a second yellow and they were reduced to 10 men. The Royals continued to fight though and were rewarded with a late penalty that Joao Vitor finished to make it 3-1 in the 86th minute. With not much time left the Royals were unable to generate more opportunities as they dropped their second game to the Lions.

The Royals will have to wait and see if they receive an at large bid for the NAIA Championships. The selection show will take place on Monday, November 14 at 10:00 AM PT and can be watched here: