SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Saint Martin's Men's Soccer team opened the 2025 season with a narrow 2-1 defeat at Westmont on Thursday, September 4.

How it Happened

• Both teams got off to a slow offensive start, as the first 25 minutes saw just one shot from Westmont and two corners.
• In the 30th minute, Westmont broke the scoreless draw with a goal by Cole Lomeli, putting SMU down 1-0. The scoreline stood through the first 45 minutes of play, as the Saints went into halftime trailing by one goal.
• Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Westmont doubled the lead to 2-0 with a goal from Erik Guerrero.
• The Saints scored the team's first goal of the 2025 season in the 76th minute, as junior Cole Sullivan scored his 10th career goal and sixth career goal as a Saint. Paul Lopez assisted on the goal.
• SMU was unable to make up any further ground in the final stages of the match, falling 2-1 in the 2025 season opener.

Top Performers

• Cole Sullivan's goal is the 10th of his career, and the first by a Saint this season. Sullivan led the Saints with three shots on goal.
• The assist for Paul Lopez is the first of his career.
• Junior Connor Leistiko recorded three saves in goal.

Team Stats

• Saint Martin's totaled four shots on goal and seven total shots, all of which came in the second half.
• The Saints committed eight fouls, while Westmont recorded 16 as a team.

Up Next

• Next up, SMU will remain in Santa Barbara to face Hawaii Pacific in a neutral matchup on Sept. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m.