ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – Hope International lost 2-1 to Soka on a goal with just 17 seconds remaining in GSAC men's soccer action on Saturday at the Lions Den.
Aaron Flores found a crease in the HIU defense and delivered the game-winning goal off a cross from Martin Mondala as time winded down in the battle between the two teams vying for the final spot in the upcoming GSAC Tournament.
The loss ensures that the Royals will miss the conference tournament, while the Lions qualified as the No. 6 seed. HIU, 0-3-2 in its last five games, fell to 5-6-5 overall and 2-5-5 in conference play. The Lions improved to 6-6-2 on the season, with a 5-5-2 mark in the GSAC.
HIU fell into a 1-0 hole just 2:47 into the contest as Robbie Cotton netted a goal on an assist from Justin Wu.
Despite outshooting Soka 7-4, the Royals entered halftime facing the 1-0 deficit.
A Soka foul inside the 18-yard box in the early going of the second half opened the door for the equalizer. Cesar Naranjo stepped to the spot and delivered the penalty kick goal, his second score of the season, tying the game 1-1 at the 51:26 mark.
The Royals pushed for the go-ahead goal, forcing Soka goalkeeper Jacob Warren into five second half saves. Francisco Torres had an excellent look at goal in the 85th minute, but Warren stopped the attempt.
Warren finished the game with eight saves. HIU split goalkeeping duties with Bryan Solano starting and making one save in the first half. Tyler Beehler took over in the second half and also had one save.
HIU finished with a 15-11 edge in the shots department and took five corner kicks to Soka's two. Naranjo and Matthias Alcaraz led the Royals with four shots apiece.
The Royals conclude the 2026 season on Thursday, October 29, hosting Life Pacific for Senior Day at 7:00 p.m. inside the OC Great Park Stadium.
