Box Score SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The Dominican University of California men's soccer team established an early lead but fell in yet another one-goal decision, falling 2-1 to California Baptist University Lancers on Thursday afternoon in Pacific West Conference Play.

Thursday's match was the seventh decided by a goal. Only one of those decisions — a 4-3 win over rival Holy Names — have gone in the Penguins favor while an additional pair ended in double overtime ties.

"We came out with a game plan and I thought we executed it pretty well. CBU is a quality program year-in and year-out, one of the top three in the conference," said Head Coach Phil Billeci-Gard. "We went with a more defensive mindset and tried to counter attack what they were doing with us. We did a good job with that but at the end of the day they overwhelmed us with their ability."

Dominican earned an early 1-0 lead in at the 11:59 mark off of the foot of Kolby Mitnick, who scored from point-blank range after a nice pass from Lee LeVerrier.

The lead didn't last though, as Cole Schmit evened the score in the 32nd minute with a left footer from the right side, assisted by Thomas Carter. Schmit had five of the Lancers' 21 shots, eight of which were on target.

Mitnick, Dominican's leading goal scorer  was forced to the sidelines for most of the first half though after he was subbed out to repair a ripped cleat.

The Penguins were caught off guard in the 60th minute. CBU goalie Joey Pacheco cleared a ball to the opposing box, where Alex Anderson scored off the half volley and over the head of Dominican goalie Patrick Rabbitt. It was the team-leading eighth goal for Anderson, who moved into a tie for third most in the conference.

"We've been in a lot of close matches this season. If you remember in the past, our contests versus California Baptist weren't nearly as close but this was a good showing against them," said senior defender Sam Vella. "I was really proud of the way we fought today and hoping to go out on a good note [on Saturday]."

Dominican hosts Azusa Pacific University on Saturday, Oct. 26 in the Penguins' final home game of the 2013 campaign. That is also Senior Day, where Dominican will honor its six seniors — Robin Goldschmidt, David Mendez, Swap Mushiana, Jordan Rode, John Sansone, and Sam Vella, — in a pregame ceremony.

"These guys have poured a ton into this. They took a chance on what we were building when we moved to Division II," said Billeci-Gard. "They should be credited for their four years of hard work and commitment to the program. To spend four years and give four years of your life without hesitation is commendable and hopefully we send them home with a victory."

Live coverage will be available at dominicanathletics.com/live.