Box Score
SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos men's soccer team earned its third win in its last four games with a 2-0 victory over visiting SOKA University of America Tuesday afternoon at Mangrum Soccer Field.

Ryan VanDenburg and Scott Rice each scored while Zach Sheppard recorded four saves and the shutout in his first career start in goal.

CSUSM moves to 4-6-3 on the year and will face Westminster (Utah) on Saturday in the team's annual Homecoming Game at 2:00 p.m.

“We played pretty well; I was pleased given the circumstances that we're in. We showed some determination and heart,” said CSUSM head coach Ron Pulvers. “The team outworked SOKA, wanted it more, and we got the result.”

The Cougars made it 1-0 on their first dangerous opportunity at goal nine minutes in. Eric Lopez cut a pass back from the left end-line that fell to the feet of Panos Kotselas. The left-back played it across the box to VanDenburg, who fired in a left-footed rip to the far post.

The goal marked VanDenburg's fifth in his last four games.

Eight minutes later, Lopez nearly put the Cougars up by two, but his volley off a flick from Alex Brunsell was pushed over the bar by SOKA goalkeeper Danny Smyth.

The Lions  (2-8-2) stormed back towards the end of the half, as Luis Herrara got in behind the Cougar back line on a through ball from Tomo Tanaka. However, the play was snuffed out as Sheppard sprinted from his line to meet the ball just as Herrara struck it.

Akira Takahata got free at the top of the box off a SOKA corner kick, but Sheppard did well to catch Takahata's firm volley to keep the Lions off the board.

“Zach has been working tirelessly, he's been a great team player. I thought the time was right to give him an opportunity and he took the chance well,” said Pulvers.

The Cougars pushed forward in the second half for the insurance goal. Kotselas nearly re-directed Brunsell's corner from the left side and Rice had a header for a goal called back on a handball.

Rice would finally be granted the goal in the 63^rd minute, after he and Warren Ashcroft combined to free Thor English along the right side. English played a useful ball to the back of the six and Rice sprinted onto it before pounding it into an open net.

The Cougars have two matches remaining before Nov. 9-10's A.I.I. Tournament in San Marcos. After the clash with the Griffins on Saturday, CSUSM hosts Senior Day next Tuesday, Oct. 30 against Bethesda.