Since losing their final two games of their homestand – one a drubbing the other a dispiriting loss in overtime – the UHH men have hit the road and not only been competitive, they’ve improved, coach Paul Regrutto said.
As much was clear when the Vulcans (3-8, 2-4 Pacific West Conference) beat fourth-place Biola 2-1 last weekend and then followed that up Monday by putting a scare into Azusa Pacific, the top-ranked team in Division II, before losing in overtime.
“Two good results show our progress,” Regrutto said. “The guys put an incredible amount of energy into the first two matches. When people talk about the sport soccer of soccer, they mostly talk about skill and tactics. Effort, grit, toughness, selflessness and fitness are many times overlooked.”
The Vulcans face Point Loma on Thursday, and they’ll try to make life a little easier for goalkeeper Michael Harre.
The junior made 14 saves against the Cougars, a collegiate high for him and the highest total in the PacWest this season.
Devan Yoshimura and Jorge Martinez scored goals as the Vuls rallied from a two-goal deficit, but Cougars won 3-2, scoring in the final minute of overtime.
“We are starting to see the results of the guys buying into these team traits, and they are ultimately the things that will make us great,” Regrutto said.
Martinez also scored the tying goal against Biola – Robert George netted the late game-winner – and the senior midfielder leads the Vulcans with four goals and nine points.
The UHH women (3-5-4, 2-2-2 PacWest) are coming off of their fourth scoreless draw of the season. The Vuls have allowed just two goals in their past seven matches, registering a 2-3-2 record during that span.
The Point Loma women (9-4-1, 6-0-1) have yet to lose a conference match yet, and the men (9-4-1, 5-1-1) are also in second place in the PacWest.
