Tough defense and phenomenal goalkeeping by Cal Poly and University of San Francisco produced a 0-0 draw on Monday, Sept. 30 at Negesco Stadium. Sophomore goalkeeper Carlos Arce-Hurtado, who now has 13 saves on the year, racked up two saves for his second career shutout as Alejandro Munoz of the Dons saved six shots of his own.
Cal Poly (4-3-1) only produced three shots in the first half, while the Mustang defense shut down all six shots from San Francisco (2-6-1).
The Mustangs were given plenty of opportunities in the second half and totaled six shots but failed to convert. Three of the Mustangs’ six shots came within the final 10 minutes of regulation.
Going into overtime, the Dons had not only out-shot the Mustangs 9-12 but had also dominated the corner-kick comparison with seven attempts, compared to two from Cal Poly.
However, the Mustang defense continued to deny goal-scoring opportunities and allowed just one shot in overtime. Cal Poly had plenty of chances to covert in the final 20 minutes and totaled five shots as a team.
In the end, no team was able to find the back of the net despite countless opportunities for both sides. Junior midfielder Emmanuel Perez, who leads the team with seven goals on the season, produced a team-high three shots. However, Perez’s five match goal-scoring streak came to a halt.
The match was Cal Poly’s second overtime game of the year, while San Francisco hadn’t seen a match go past regulation this season. Cal Poly’s last overtime match against Loyola Marymount on Sept. 26 ended with a golden goal from Perez within minutes.
Cal Poly will finish non-conference play Saturday, Oct. 5 against UC Santa Barbara for the first Blue-Green Rivalry game of the year. The match will take place at Harder Stadium at 7 p.m.