LA GRANDE, Ore. – RV Eastern Oregon men's soccer team remained unbeaten and atop the Cascade Collegiate Conference standings after a 1-0 shutout victory over RV Southern Oregon on Saturday night at Community Stadium.
Henry Lopez scored the lone goal in the 54th minute to lift the Mountaineers (10-0-4, 7-0-2 CCC) past the Raiders (9-3-2, 4-3-1 CCC) in a highly physical matchup.
After a scoreless first half, despite EOU dominating the run of play, Lopez broke through early in the second half with a free-kick finish for his third goal of the season. The strike capped a relentless offensive performance by the Mountaineers, who outshot the Raiders 21-4, including a 10-0 edge in shots on goal.
Midfielder Anthony Macedo paced the attack with seven total shots and four on target, while
JJ Gallardo and Lopez each added three shots. EOU generated eight corner kicks and consistently pressured the SOU defense in both halves.
Goalkeeper Anthony Lemus did not face a shot on goal but picked up his fifth shutout of the season and 10th win in net. SOU goalkeeper Casey Ruvolo recorded six saves to keep the Raiders within reach.
The match was marked by high intensity, with three yellow cards issued—two to Eastern Oregon (Pablo Cardenas-Sanch,
JJ Gallardo) and one to SOU's Daniel Palomino. The Raiders also went down to 10 men after a 37th-minute red card to Papa Yansane, which shifted the momentum further in EOU's favor.
With the win, the Mountaineers extended their unbeaten streak to 14 matches and remain the only undefeated team in CCC play. EOU returns to the pitch next Friday against the University of Providence in its final regular season home match. The team will also celebrate its seniors.
