Score: UC Davis 0, Cal Poly 1
Location: Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 4-3-3 (0-1), Cal Poly 4-3-3 (1-0)
The short story: UC Davis men's soccer had multiple scoring opportunities against Cal Poly but ultimately fell 1-0 in Wednesday afternoon's conference opener at Aggie Soccer Field.
PITCH SIDE
- The Aggies outshot the Mustangs 10-5, doubling Cal Poly's attempts
- Cason Goodman provided the best looks on goal for UC Davis, with his shot in the 75th minute being one of the Aggies' three shots on target
- Eight Aggies recorded shots, showcasing the team's aggressive mindset throughout
- Defensively, Luke Goodman and Carson Hammond anchored the back line, both playing the full 90 minutes
- For the Mustangs, Oren Stuppel netted the game-winning goal
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UC Davis started on the attack, with Cason Goodman and Kevin Welch each generating early chances that threatened the goal
- Cal Poly countered in the 27th minute when Stuppel finished a perfectly played through ball from Colin Pearce, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 lead at halftime
- After the break, the Aggies turned to their reserves to regain momentum
- This led to a flurry of activity in the box, with Gavin Leypon and Rafael Matiello both coming close, but unable to convert
- The Aggies' best chance came in the 75th minute with Cason Goodman firing one from just outside the box, only to be denied by Cal Poly's goalkeeper, Nicky McCune
- Despite their efforts, UC Davis couldn't find the equalizer, and Cal Poly held on for the 1-0 win
NEXT UP: The Aggies will remain at home to host UC Irvine this Saturday in a rematch of last season's Big West Championship Final. The game will also serve as this year's "Break the Record" game, with UC Davis aiming to set a new attendance record. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. PT.
