Late Equalizer Lifts Warriors to 1–1 Draw Against The Master’s

La Verne, Calif. — The Life Pacific University Men's Soccer team battled to a hard-fought 1–1 draw against The Master's University on Wednesday afternoon, earning a key point in GSAC play behind a late second-half goal from Sage Belanger.

The Master's (4-6-2, 3-4-1 GSAC) struck first in the 29th minute when Hidenori Akasaka finished a cross from Jo Yokota to give the Mustangs the early 1–0 advantage. Despite the setback, Life Pacific (0-10-2, 0-6-2 GSAC) stayed composed and gradually gained control through the midfield, led by Anthony Miron, Anthony Martinez, and Nikolas Ayala, who created several quality chances as the Warriors pressed for an equalizer.

Their persistence paid off late in the second half. In the 86th minute, Miron and Ayala combined on a sequence that found Belanger in front of goal, where he buried the equalizer to bring the score level at 1–1. The goal marked Belanger's first of the season and capped a spirited comeback effort.

The Warrior defense, anchored by Ozzy Morales in goal and center backs Ivan Virgen, Sage Belanger, Andrew Perez, and Jose Alvarez, held firm down the stretch. Morales finished with two saves on four shots on goal, while Belanger's earlier defensive save on a Mustang header in the 88th minute preserved the result.

With the draw, Life Pacific secures its second point of the season and looks to build momentum heading into the final stretch of GSAC play.

Stat Highlights

• ⚽️ Goal: Sage Belanger (85:52)

• ��️ Assists: Nikolas Ayala, Anthony Miron

• �� Saves (Morales): 2

• �� Shots: LPU 9 | TMU 17