PASADENA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2022) - The list of emotions experienced on Wednesday afternoon on North Field was as long and varied as the length of the field itself. From the preparation and anticipation of the game buildup to the excitement of striking first and creating a one-goal lead 15 minutes into the game. Then came the possibility of getting out to a two-goal lead or being level that consumed much of the match, followed by frustration and disappointment of an awarded penalty kick that tied it in the 82nd minute. Displaying great resilience, with just over a minute remaining, the Beavers forged back in front with a terrific goal that proved to be the winner as Caltech defeated La Verne 2-1 for the Beavers first SCIAC win of the year. 
 
Quick Shots
-Final Score: Caltech-2, La Verne-1
-Location: North Field, Caltech
-Records: Caltech (2-7-1, 1-6-1 SCIAC) University of La Verne (3-10-2, 2-5-1 SCIAC)
 
Critical Moment
-With less than two minutes remaining in the contest, freshman midfielder Etienne Cassanova (San Jose, Calif. / Saratoga) slotted home a shot after collecting his own rebound that gave the Beavers the 2-1 lead that they would hold on to the finish, netting the Beavers three points in the SCIAC standings.   
 
Key Beavers
-Etienne Casanova.  Continuing the tremendous work this first year has given in midfield, he was credited with three shots on the afternoon, two on frame.  But nothing was more important than the goal he scored that pushed Caltech back into the lead with under two minutes remaining, 
 
-Ishaan Mantripragada (Saratoga, Calif. / Harker School). Continuing his breakout freshman season, Mantripragada scored the Beavers first goal of the afternoon at 15:45 of the first half, converting from the penalty spot to give Caltech its first lead in conference this season.  

-Derek Ing (Hong Kong / Hong Kong International School). Vying for his second shutout of the season, and third of his career, Ing came within eight minutes of accomplishing the clean sheet.  Allowing only a converted penalty on the day, Ing came up big for the Beavers saving the six other shots on goal he faced,  

-Rohan Iyer (Queens, N.Y. / Townsend Harris). Creating chances throughout the afternoon, Iyer was hunting for a goal to create separation for Caltech as they looked to extend their lead.  While he didn't finish in the final third, he fired three shots on goal.
 
Game Insight
"So happy for the guys, the hard work and character they've shown this year deserves to get results, and tonight encompasses that," Head Coach Duncan Gillis said. "As they have been all season, our back line was very strong and dealt with La Verne's direct balls very well.  Offensively, Ishaan and Etienne once again gave us several great chances going forward and I was thrilled to see them both rewarded by getting on the scoresheet.  Overall, a massive team effort, and no less than our boys deserve. This group is full of fight, and after a great win tonight they're hungry for more moving forward."
 
Notes
- Freshmen Casanova, Mantripragada and Jack Myles (Houston, Texas / Bridgeland) have combined to score 7 of the Beavers 11 goals on the season and have taken nearly half (42 of 89) of the Beavers' shots. 
-The victory over La Verne marks the second consecutive win over the Leopards.  When the two teams met last in October of 2021, the Beavers were the 4-1 winners.
 
Up Next
The Beavers are back in action at home next Wednesday, October 19 at 4 PM when they host the Poets of Whittier College.