REDDING, Calif. - The men's soccer team clashed for a huge conference game today against Soka University.

Simpson started fast as Jesus Rodriguez picked up his team-leading fourth goal of the year in the 4th minute off a pass from Angelo Dominguez. 

The Lion attackers kept Simpson goalkeeper Eric Canela busy all day as he notched four saves in the first half off eight shots. 

The Lions scored late in the first half on a deflected shot by Canela to tie the game. 

But Soka took the 2-1 lead in the 57th minute off a corner kick that bounced around the box before a Lion attacker found the back of the net. 
Bryan Ortiz came close to tying the game in the 84th minute as he just missed wide to the left. 

Simpson had its final shot in the final seconds as Canela emptied the goal and came flying in for a shot that just missed high of the post as the clock struck zero. 

With the loss, Simpson falls two games behind Soka for the fourth and final playoff spot. 

Simpson looks to bounce back against UC Merced this Thursday at 7 pm at Bobcat Field.