Facing a very strong opponent on the road, Cougar men's soccer was able to put up a fight, but ultimately fell 5-3 to Cal State Dominguez-Hills.

CSUSM is now 7-7-2 on the season.  CSUDH moves to 15-2-1.

The Cougars got blitzed early, allowing a goal in the 4th minute off a bicycle kick, then another in the 23rd.  But with the early 2-0 deficit and the potential for the game to get out of hand, CSUSM showed poise and resilience in crawling their way back into the game.  In the 40th minute, defender Curtis Marcikic found a loose ball in the box, and was able to knock it past the keeper.  Then just four minutes later, Jose Rivas hit a free kick into the box, where Chris Dunckel was able to head it past the keeper.  

CSUDH bounced right back, however.  Just 40 seconds of game time later,  Mario Guerrero put them right back on top 3-2.  But once again CSUSM would show its resilience, tying the game back up in the 57th minute off another set piece.  This time it was Chris Wyatt hitting the free kick into the box, and Jordan Shadeed heading in the game-tying goal.

The tense 3-3 tie would last well into the second half, with CSUSM hanging in the game against the very tough NCAA Division II opponent.  But CSUDH's Kevin Gallagher would close the door on any upset, scoring on a penalty kick in the 76th minute, then off a corner kick in the 90th.

CSUSM, fighting for its playoff life, has two games left to rack up much-needed Longo points.  A monster contest at Embry Riddle looms on Saturday.