CLAREMONT, Calif. – Junior Alejandro Oropeza notched his first two career collegiate goals – and the Hope International men's soccer team outshot host Life Pacific 24-9 – but settled for a 2-2 tie in GSAC action on Saturday at the Pomona-Pitzer Soccer Field.
Oropeza netted goals in the 14th and 55th minutes, sandwiched around a pair of first half strikes from Life Pacific's Angel Ballesteros.
Oropeza's first goal took place after Cesar Naranjo shoveled a short pass into the box where the Wilmington native outmaneuvered heavy traffic and slotted his slot into the lower right corner.
The Royals held the 1-0 lead until the 29:30 mark when Ballesteros tallied his first goal on an assist from Musa Jallow. The Warriors took a 2-1 lead in the 43rd minute as Ballesteros connected for his second goal.
HIU went on the offensive in the second half in search of the equalizer. Naranjo started the game-tying sequence with a corner kick from the right side. The ball found Uri Sanchez, who hit a cross into the middle. Oropeza latched onto it, took one touch, and deposited his shot to the right corner for his second goal.
The Royals bombarded Life Pacific with several chances as the second half progressed. Erick Cabrera hit the post on one attempt, and two big chances by Oropeza in the final minute were denied.
Life Pacific (1-8-1, 1-6-1 GSAC) goalkeeper Cesar Acosta made 10 saves. The Royals split goalkeeping duties between Wyatt Schaap and Bryan Solano. Schaap stopped three shots in the first half while Solano did not need to make a save.
The Royals are now 5-4-4 overall on the season and 2-3-4 in conference play.
HIU continues its four-match roadtrip on Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. contest at Park Gilbert.
