In what had the potential to be one of the most frustrating games in CSUSM soccer history, Mike Nuovo sent Cougar fans home happy with a goal in the 103rd minute that lifted his team to a 1-0 win in its opener.

Playing on their home field against GSAC opponent San Diego Christian College, the Cougars controlled play all afternoon, generating chance after chance.  CSUSM out-shot SDCC by a laughable 37-9 margin, but the Cougars simply could not find the back of the net.  The closest opportunity in regulation came early on, when Nuovo banged a shot off the crossbar. 

The game would head into overtime, with both teams nearly missing on a couple good opportunities.  Finally, deep into the second overtime and staring a disappointing tie in the face, Nuovo corraled a loose ball at the top corner of the box, and launched a shot past the keeper into the top corner.

For Head Coach Ron Pulvers, it was a good way to start the season.

"The guys played a great, complete game - aside from finishing," remarked Pulvers following the contest.

The Cougar back-4 were particularly good.  Trey Whitaker, Troy Skomra, Greg Reese, and   Jordan Shadeed severely limited opposing opportunities, making it relatively easy for keeper Tashi Nakanishi to pick up the shutout.

The 1-0 Cougars will face a tougher test on Friday, when they host NCAA Division II opponent Cal State Los Angeles.