FULLERTON, Calif. – The Omaha men's soccer team (3-3-1) lost for the first time since August 31st today in Fullerton, Calif. Cal State Fullerton defeated the Mavericks 3-1 at Titan Stadium.
“Cal State Fullerton is a very athletic team that made for a very challenging game today,” commented head coach Jason Mims.
Cal State Fullerton came out on the offensive right away. The Titans took four shots on the Mavericks before UNO put a shot on the CSF keeper. UNO goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis blocked a Titan scoring opportunity in the 19th minute. The Mavericks countered in the 23rd minute when a Logan Mendez shot just missed finding the back of the net.
Fullerton got on the board in the 28th minute. Amara Soumah took a point blank shot that was initially saved by Joseph Ghitis. The shot rebounded back to Soumah who tapped the ball into the net for a 1-0 Titan lead.
Vance Rookwood got the Mavericks going in the second half. Two minutes into the second half, a Rookwood shot just missed finding the back of the net. Rookwood would draw the Mavericks even in the 67th minute. Jake McCain sent in a high cross into the box. The 6-foot-3 Rookwood out-jumped the CSF defense and headed the ball into the back of the net.
Cal State Fullerton retook the lead in the 72nd minute when Garrett Losee scored. UNO had a chance in the 88th minute to tie the game at 2-2, but were deemed to be off sides on their scoring attempt. Fullerton's Ian Ramos put the game out of reach in the 89th minute with his first goal of the year.
Despite giving up two late goals, Mims was impressed with his team's play in the second half. “We continued to move the ball around very well in the second half and created several scoring chances,” said Mims. “I give credit to Cal State Fullerton for scoring two late goals and getting the result they wanted.”
Omaha was outshot by Fullerton 20-4 (9-1 on goal) on the afternoon.
Goalkeeper Joseph Ghitis made a career high six saves.
“It is still early in the season and our strength of schedule has made our team better,” said Mims. “We will be excited to get back to Caniglia Field to open up conference play next weekend.”
The Mavericks open conference play on Saturday, September 27 against Eastern Illinois at Caniglia Field at 7:00 p.m.
