Score: UC Davis 2, Cal State Fullerton 1
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 5-4-4 (1-2-1), Cal State Fullerton 6-4-4 (2-1-1)
The short story: Rafael Matiello recorded a brace to lift UC Davis to a 2-1 victory Saturday afternoon at Aggie Soccer Field, snapping Cal State Fullerton's 10-match unbeaten streak and giving UC Davis their first win of Big West play.
PITCH SIDE
- The win for UC Davis was their first since Sept. 15 and marked their first time earning three points in Big West action of 2024
- With the win, the Aggies now have four points in the conference season and sit in seventh place, with momentum to keep climbing
- Matiello, the São Paulo native, was instrumental in the Aggies' attack, scoring a goal in each half
- With both teams positioning themselves well offensively, shots were abundant, totaling 28, with the Titans outshooting the Aggies 18-10
- In goal, Noah Schwengeler recorded a career-high seven saves to keep the Titans at bay
- Other notable standouts for UC Davis included Chase Tanon, who recorded his second assist of the season, and Keegan Walwyn-Bent, whose aggressive play earned a penalty that set up Matiello's decisive goal
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Aggies made a statement early during Homecoming Week, scoring in the 32nd minute off a corner kick, with Matiello finishing a diving header in the box
- UC Davis continued to press in the second half, when Walwyn-Bent drew a penalty on a breakaway, setting up Matiello to double the lead in the 58th minute
- The Titans converted on one of their 18 shots in the 65th minute, with Mario Carlos scoring after a rebound, making it 2-1
- In the second half, the Titans made a concerted comeback effort, racking up four shots of during the final 10 minutes, however the Aggie defense stood tall to hang on for the much-needed win
NEXT UP: UC Davis will look to keep the momentum going when they visit conference leaders UC Santa Barbara on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. PT.
