THOUSAND OAKS — Senior co-captain Zack Conrad is playing the best soccer of his career and the Occidental College men's soccer team is proving that it's for real.

After finishing just two standing points shy of a SCIAC championship and also advancing to the SCIAC Postseason tournament in 2014, the Tigers appear to have improved on their best season in recent memory, beating Cal Lutheran 2-1 on the road on Monday for another conference win.

The Tigers are alone in first with Conrad and an exciting group of speedy forwards, mixed with some excellent defense and goalkeeping, putting the conference on notice. The Tigers are now 5-0-1 overall and 2-0-1 in SCIAC play. 

Conrad scored both of Oxy's goals in the second half, upping his season total to three and tying him with Connor Freeman for the team high. He struck first off a deflection in the 57th minute and then after Cal Lu's Brandon Kearney evened the score in the 70th, he connected on a deep free kick in the 86th for the win.

On Sept. 4, Conrad scored the game winner to beat Oberlin 1-0 in the 87th minute.

Cal Lutheran falls to 1-3-1 overall and 1-2 in SCIAC.

From the Coach: "We recognize that in our conference all points are tough to come by and tonight was no exception," Oxy head coach Rod Lafaurie said. "We still have more things to improve upon and we will still keep climbing, but it's a pleasure to work with and be around these young men. They recognize what it means to be a part of something bigger than themselves."

The good news for Oxy is that all of its success to this point has been without arguably its best player from last season. Sophomore Tod Kawada, who was the SCIAC Newcomer of the Year and a First Team All-SCIAC selection in his rookie season, appeared in just his second game of the season against Cal Lu because of a lingering injury, firing three shots in a reserve role. He should return to star form soon. 

While Oxy is becoming known for its potent offense, two gems in the back are keeping things quiet on the opponents attacking end. Sophomore center back and two-time All-American track athlete Gabriel Barrett-Jackson is erasing would-be chances with his speed and instincts, and when the goal is threatened, goalkeeper Theo Atkinson has been a game-saver in the net. The Tigers have only allowed three goals in six games, outscoring their opponents 17-3.

Atkinson made four more saves on Monday, although his defenders have kept him from being tested much this year. 

Barrett-Jackson and Atkinson have had help from defenders Ryan Banard and co-captain Keegan McChesney, along with others, who have been very solid.

Next Match: The Tigers return home to face La Verne on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Jack Kemp Stadium. La Verne is currently in second place at 2-0.