Men’s Soccer fell 1-0 on the road to UC Riverside on Saturday, Oct. 12, despite an offensive effort that saw the Mustangs out-shoot the Highlanders 18-6. The defeat leaves the Cal Poly (4-6-1, 0-2) winless in the Big West Conference and extends their winless streak to four games.
The only goal of the match was scored by UC Riverside forward Hugo Magana Jr. in the 56th minute after a scoreless first half. A long ball down the right side of the field from midfielder Federico Ucar provided Magana room to take on a Mustang defender and fire a shot on goal. The shot slipped past sophomore goalkeeper Carlos Arce-Hurtado to give the Highlanders the game-winner.
Cal Poly created numerous chances and out-shot the Highlanders 18-6, which included seven shots from junior midfielder Emmanuel Perez. However, the Mustangs failed to convert in the attacking third as their chances were unsuccessful.
UC Riverside goalkeeper Edwyn Gutierrez was forced to make seven saves compared to just two saves from Arce-Hurtado. The Mustangs tested Gutierrez twice after the go-ahead goal by Magana, but to no avail. Other than the eventual game-winner, Arce-Hurtado was untested in the second half of the match.
Despite the shutout, Cal Poly players were involved in the team’s attack from all sides of the field. Nine Mustangs attempted a shot while five registered a shot on goal as well. Cal Poly also totaled five corner kicks compared to the Highlanders’ zero corner kicks. The defeat was Cal Poly’s second straight loss by a score of 1-0 after the team fell to UC Davis in their Big West Conference opener on Oct. 9.
Since going on a three-game win streak during non-conference play and out-scoring opponents 9-1 during that stretch, the Mustangs are now 1-4-1 in their last six matches. Cal Poly have just one goal in their last four matches. With the result, the Mustangs fall to a record of 4-2 inside Alex G. Spanos Stadium, but remain 0-4-1 in away matches.
The Mustangs continue Big West Conference play with a two-game homestand starting on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7pm against No. 24 Cal State Fullerton.