IRVINE, Calif. – Junior Matthias Alcaraz delivered his second career brace as the Hope International men's soccer team defeated Westcliff, 2-1, on Tuesday at the OC Great Park.
The Royals moved to 2-0-0 on the season, while the Warriors fell to 1-2-1.
Alcaraz netted his second and third goals of the young season. He posted his other two goal game as a freshman in 2024, achieving the feat against The Master's in the GSAC Tournament.
The Royals took a 1-0 lead at the 20:44 mark on a brilliant goal from Alcaraz. Gio Marin carried the ball up the right side and sent a cross into the box, where Alcaraz struck a nifty bicycle kick past Westcliff goalkeeper Olly Scott.
HIU dominated the first half with a 13-3 edge in shots, forcing Scott into three saves.
However, the Warriors equalized in the 54th minute as Alex Hernandez deposited a goal off an assist from Christopher Dommer.
With 20 minutes remaining, Uri Sanchez found possession in the center of the pitch and sent a pass up to Alcaraz. The midfielder zigzagged with a Warrior defender until entering the 18-yard box, hitting a left-handed shot that deflected off the inside of the right post before trickling into the net.
The goal at the 70:01 mark represented the seventh in Alcaraz's career.
Westcliff took three shots over the final 20 minutes, but did not threaten the Royals as HIU goalie Wyatt Schaap notched his second win after making three saves.
The Royals outshot the Warriors 17-13 and committed 19 fouls compared to Westcliff's 14.
Alcaraz led the Royals with four shots and Francisco Torres had three.
Scott posted three saves for the Warriors.
HIU returns to action on Friday against College of Idaho. The match will kickoff at 10:00 a.m. at the OC Great Park on Field #18.
