Box Score Cougar men's soccer put up a valiant effort in its opener, but came up just short against UCSD, falling 1-0.
It was the first game of the season for both teams.
Despite the game being at UCSD, plenty of Cougar fans made the trip to bring CSUSM's massive home-field advantage to La Jolla.
And the Cougars did them proud, standing toe-to-toe with the Tritons, a tough NCAA squad. CSUSM out-shot UCSD 13 to 11, and held a 5 to 2 corner kick advantage.
But UCSD would win the only statistical battle that ultimately matters, thanks to a goal in the 32nd minute by Mikel Samaniego. The Tritons and keeper Peter Akman would hold off the hard-charging Cougars to secure the win.
"Our guys gave a strong effort," commented CSUSM Head Coach Ron Pulvers. "UCSD is a good team, and we gave them a good game and showed a lot of promise.
Keeper Kevin Ernst, filling in for injured starter Kiki Castro, did well for himself, and the team put itself in positions to score - but couldn't find the back of the net. Most notably, a second-half header by Hyo Heinz beat the keeper but was stopped by the UCSD defense on the back line.
There will be no rest for the Cougars, who travel up to Cal State Dominguez-Hills to face the defending NCAA Division II National Champions on Tuesday.
