LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental College secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the University of La Verne on Thursday at W.C. Patterson Field at Jack Kemp Stadium. With the victory, the Tigers move on to their third SCIAC Championship in four years. They'll host Redlands on Saturday in a rematch of the 2023 title game that saw Oxy victorious.

 Occidental's offense was led by a relentless effort, with 28 shots and 10 on target. The team took control early, scoring twice in the first half and adding two more in the second. La Verne managed a single goal in the first half but was unable to find the net again, despite 13 total shots.

The first half began with Occidental making early offensive moves, with Devin Bening and Charlie Miller each taking shots in the opening minutes. Despite a strong start, it was La Verne who struck first when Israel Jimenez Ramirez scored in the 22nd minute, assisted by Joshua McCowan. Occidental responded quickly, with Eddie Siladie leveling the score at 1-1 in the 26th minute, thanks to assists from Ethan Carr and Elijah Edelman.

Occidental continued to apply pressure, leading to a series of shots and corner kicks. Their efforts paid off in the closing moments of the half when Edelman found the back of the net, assisted by Aiden Aley, to secure a 2-1 lead for the home team. The half ended with Occidental ahead, setting a positive tone going into the break.

The second half began with Occidental maintaining their offensive momentum. In the 68th minute, Tyler Na-Nakornpanom scored, assisted by Bening and Justin Nishimoto, extending the lead. Occidental continued to press, and Na-Nakornpanom added another goal in the 75th minute, again with assists from Bening and Nishimoto, strengthening their position.

Despite the Leopards' attempts to respond, including a saved shot by Sammy Gramlich in the 70th minute, the Tigers controlled the game's pace. The half concluded with Occidental leading 4-1, securing their advantage through effective offensive execution and defensive stops.

Occidental Top Performers

Elijah Edelman  
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- one goal  
- one assist  
- six shots  
- one game-winning goal  

Tyler Na-Nakornpanom  
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- two goals  
- two shots on goal  

Devin Bening  
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- two assists  
- four shots  

Eddie Siladie  
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- one goal  
- two shots