Lions shock Cougars

Vanguard goalkeeper William Johnson is only a freshman, but he

already has one great college story to tell the girls.

Vanguard shutout visiting Azusa Pacific, ranked No. 5 in the NAIA,

on Saturday, 1-0, in a Golden State Athletic Conference match.

It was a battle of last season’s conference co-champions. This

time VU was able to avenge its two losses to the Cougars in 2004.

“This win meant a lot to the seniors. I had heard all week about

how bad they wanted to beat Azusa,” a smiling Johnson said.

In the 65th minute, Mark Babel connected, scoring his first goal

of the season.

The play that started the goal was a deflected Vanguard pass that

bounced high in the air in the goalkeeper’s box.

As the Cougar goalkeeper leaped to retrieve the errant pass, he

collided with one of his defenders.

Joshua McCall was able to settle the loose ball, and find an open

Babel on the left side of the goal.

“I saw the keeper was out of the play. So I just aimed for the far

right bar,” Babel said.

However, Azusa Pacific was not about to go home without a fight.

With 24.5 seconds remaining, a high-kicking foul was called on

Vanguard from 35 feet. The free kick was a beautiful cross to the

right side of the net, Cougar Danny DeQuine shot a drive that was

plucked by a diving Johnson.

“I wasn’t even really thinking, I just reacted to the shot,” said

Johnson.

Johnson was spectacular in goal, making eight saves on the day.

“This was a great win for this team,” said Vanguard Coach Randy

Dodge. “We needed the three points [conference victory]. I don’t care

if we’re playing a great team or a team full of donkeys. No team

plays with as much heart as these guys, especially at home.”

Vanguard (5-5-2, 1-2-1 in conference) will play Westmont at home

on Wednesday.