A two-goal performance from senior forward Alexander Bastidas, capped off by a dramatic lateequalizer, helped the La Verne Leopards open SCIAC conference play on a positive note with a 2–2 draw against Occidental.
The Tigers are no strangers to the Leopards. Last season, the two teams met in the SCIAC conference semifinals, where Occidental not only defeated La Verne but went on to capture the SCIAC conference title and earn a berth in the NCAA tournament. Their previous meeting ended in a 4–1 victory for the Tigers, leaving the Leopards eager to avoid a repeat of last year’s result.
Occidental came out firing, recording two consecutive shots on target before finding the back of the net within the opening four minutes of play.
The Leopards gradually settled into the match, finding more opportunities to possess the balland attack. After five shot attempts, La Verne forward Alexander Bastidas found the back of the net with 15 minutes remaining in the first half, bringing the Leopards back into the contest.
The first half continued to see-saw between the two sides, with Occidental finishing the period with five shots on goal compared to La Verne’s three.
The Tigers came out aggressively in the second half, registering nine shot attempts before earning a late breakthrough. In the 87th minute, senior midfielder Elijah Edelman converted a penalty kick to give Occidental what appeared to be a decisive late advantage.
But if you thought the game ended there, think again.
With just 30 seconds remaining, the Leopards forced the ball into Occidental’s penalty area. After the ball ricocheted off a Tigers defender, Bastidas was there to finish from close range, finding the back of the net for the second time that night and snatching a dramatic equalizer.
The late goal secured a 2–2 draw for La Verne, allowing the Leopards to leave Eagle Rock with a valuable point to begin their SCIAC campaign.
