AZUSA, Calif. -
James Gomez and
Ryder Bianchi scored second-half goals, but the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men's soccer team finished on the short end of a 3-2 defeat to Azusa Pacific in a non-SCIAC game on Wednesday evening.
With the loss, CMS slips to 7-4-3 on the season, while Azusa Pacific improves to 8-4-2 with the win.
The Stags were coming off a dramatic 2-1 win over Occidental on Saturday, and have a rematch with Occidental again on the road this coming Saturday. CMS rested a majority of its starting line-up against Azusa Pacific, which is transition to Division III and not eligible for the SCIAC Tournament this year.
CMS was able to showcase its depth in defeat, by playing the Cougars to an even game, with each team taking 11 shots. Azusa Pacific did score twice early, but the Stags settled in, and were able to get back within 2-1 just 19 seconds into the second half, when Gomez scored off a feed from
Alex Sondergaard.
APU went back in front 3-1 on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, but Bianchi scored his first collegiate goal with 16:10 left in the game, off a pass from
Nico McKee.
Issey Lancelot had a bid to tie the game just under a minute later, but his shot was saved by Alexis Rodriguez of the Cougars.
Zeno Bang and
Nicholas Jung had shots in the final minute, but APU was able to hold on for the win.
CMS will be back in action on Saturday against Occidental, looking to secure a SCIAC Tournament bid.
