Unsurprisingly, Biola’s men’s soccer team has had a rough transition into NCAA Division II. With a 1-4-1 record to account for the first six games played, little exists in terms of a silver lining. However, the play of senior goalkeeper Igor Puglia has shone through the team’s shortcomings. In the team’s first win of 2017, the reliable keeper recorded three saves en route to a shutout victory over the Ottawa University Spirit on Sept. 21. Although the Eagles struggled to carry over any momentum into their next matchup against the Dixie State Trail Blazers, Puglia’s defense remained strong. Despite giving up the deciding goal in the 0-1 loss on Sept. 23, Puglia held the opposition scoreless for 71 minutes while notching three more saves. With the team’s struggles so far, this relatively young Eagles squad will undoubtedly have to rely on Puglia’s composed experience and consistency if they hope to dig themselves out of an early season hole.

STATS: 6 saves in 7 shots on goal faced