SAN DIEGO – Defender Parker Owens converted a seventh-minute penalty attempt and forward Sean McTague scored his second goal in as many outings as the Cal Poly men’s soccer program furthered its unbeaten run to four straight with a 2-0 victory Sunday evening at San Diego State.
Senior goalkeeper Nicky McCune chalked up saves in the 13th minute and three more late in the second half to record his third solo clean sheet of the season for Cal Poly (3-3-2).
“What a fantastic and professional performance from the guys tonight. Going on the road in college sports and winning is always a challenge, especially when you’re playing the defending WAC champions from last season,” third-year Cal Poly head coach Oige Kennedy said. “With the rain, it made for a tricky surface, so we’re really proud of how the boys adjusted.
“Again, we defended so well against what was a direct style at times from SDSU. Lots of corners, long throws and free kicks that were put into the box all night. That constant barrage can wear you down, but our guys were ready to fight.”
The Mustangs were provided Sunday’s first scoring opportunity seven minutes after kickoff as a foul by Aztecs forward Rommee Jaridly inside the box elicited a penalty. Owens stepped to the spot and buried his attempt at the right post to hand Cal Poly a 1-0 advantage.
With Cal Poly enjoying eight first-half shot attempts, McTague doubled Cal Poly’s lead four minutes from the break. After sophomore defender Charlie Hogan looped a cross from the left for his first collegiate assist, McTague one-timed his strike past San Diego State goalkeeper Eddy Vargas at the right post.
“We found ways to look dangerous on transitional moments all night,” Kennedy said. “What a sensational ball from Charlie Hogan to set up Sean for an incredible finish for the second goal. We got a lot of those moments and their keeper made some good saves to keep it at 2-0.”
With Cal Poly looking to further its lead in the second half, the Mustangs saw attempts from senior midfielder Bakuena Ramakatsa (71’) and Quinn Mahoney (72’, 83’) turned away by Vargas.
Cal Poly resumes action at Blue-Green rival UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, Sept. 27. Kickoff for the non-conference meeting at Harder Stadium is 4 p.m.
The Big West matchup between the two sides – for points in the table – occurs at Cal Poly on Saturday, Oct. 18.
“We’re excited to get home and start our preparation for the Gauchos next weekend,” Kennedy added. “What a chance to go and perform in the most exciting rivalry in college soccer.”