Cal Poly men’s soccer freshman goalkeeper Brett Finkelstein notched a career-high nine saves Friday evening, but Portland found the back of the net twice during a three-minute span midway through the second half to deal the Mustangs a 2-0 defeat at the Husky Fever Classic, hosted by Washington at Husky Soccer Stadium.
Cal Poly (2-5), who scored six goals in consecutive home victories last week against Sacramento State and San Jose State, mustered just one shot on target against the Pilots (4-1-1). Portland, which recorded 16 of its 20 shots during the second half, scored the only goal it needed during the 71st minute, as sophomore defender Ryan Kawulok headed a Jarad vanSchaik corner kick into the right corner of the Mustang net. Three minutes later, freshman midfielder Colin Barich drove a shot past Finkelstein and into the lower right corner of the goal to double Portland’s lead.
Midfielder Junior Burgos, a transfer from San Jose State and a squad selection by the El Salvador Men’s National Team during spring CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, debuted for the Mustangs by ripping three shots inside the opening five minutes.
Cal Poly notched its lone shot on goal during the sixth minute, as senior defender Josh Didion’s attempt was turned away by Pilots junior goalkeeper Austin Guerrero. Trailing by two goals, Cal Poly registered just one shot during the final 16 minutes of action.
Portland tallied eight of its nine corner kick opportunities during the second half.
Cal Poly completes play at the Husky Fever Classic Sunday versus Washington at 12:30 p.m.