RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Aaron Nixon scored his third goal of the season in the 31st minute to draw the Utah Valley men's soccer team level, but the California Baptist Lancers responded with two unanswered goals in the second half to down the Wolverines 3-1 in the WAC Quarterfinals at CBU Soccer Stadium.
The loss ends Utah Valley's season, with the Wolverines ending on a 7-8-1 mark overall. The 2022 campaign saw UVU pick up its first-ever result against a top-five team (vs. No. 5 Oregon State) and the first three-game win streak under second-year head coach Kyle Beckerman with a squad that had 18 newcomers..
"There's a lot to be proud of with this season," said Beckerman. "We gained a lot of experience with a really young group, and I couldn't be more proud of the group."
The Wolverines had a prime scoring opportunity in the second minute of play when Kendi Bellini sent a ball across the penalty area. The ball landed at Alejandro Silva's feet, but he didn't strike it cleanly and the shot was easily dealt with by the keeper.
CBU struck first in the eighth minute when a long-range swerving ball by Adolfo Pino curled just inside the far post and left Jason Smith frozen on his line.
Nixon headed home the equalizer from an extreme angle in the 31st minute. Loed Klaasen lofted a cross from the far touchline and Nixon rose up in front of the far post, redirecting the pass just enough to flick it inside the near post.
A great buildup sequence from Utah Valley in the 54th minute had everything but the finishing touch. Bellini broke through down the right flank and sent a cross through the six, but no Wolverines were able to get a clean touch on the ball.
The Lancers retook the lead in the 64th minute. David Cordes cut down the left flank and sent a cross through the penalty area that was fired home by Leo Mendez. Luis Mueller doubled the lead five minutes later in the 69th minute off a counterattack.
Elijah Gozo had a chance to pull one back in the 85th minute, but his header went straight at the keeper.
Nixon's goal moves him into a tie for fifth place on the all-time UVU goal-scoring list. Nixon is now tied with former Wolverine Austin Buxton with 13 career goals.
