Box Score A pair of Jordan Shadeed penalty kick goals within 10 minutes of each other proved the difference on Thursday, as CSUSM men's soccer knocked off #24 Concordia on the road 2-0.
The Cougars climb above .500 for the first time this season, now sitting at 4-3-2. #24 Concordia drops to 5-2.
It was an outstanding effort for Coach Ron Pulvers' young squad, which has come a long way since the beginning of the season when they lost a disappointing 2-0 match at Vanguard. Now, once again on the road against a tough GSAC opponent, the Cougars were able to reverse that result.
"The team played with unbelievable passion, organization, and attention to detail," said Pulvers. "We are getting closer to playing a full 90 minutes."
On the stat sheet, the teams were very similar, matching each other with 12 shots apiece. Cougar keeper Kevin Ernst made 3 saves to earn the shutout.
The difference in the contest was the penalties, both of which occurred in the first half, and both of which were calmly finished by Shadeed. In the 30th minute, Alex Rodriguez got in behind the defense and was taken down by the keeper in the box, resulting in the first penalty that put CSUSM up 1-0.
Then in the 40th minute, a handball in the box led to the second penalty for the Cougars, which Shadeed finished to put CSUSM up 2-0. The squad would never look back, earning their first win over a ranked team this season.
CSUSM will be back in action on October 7th at home against Soka.
