Ashford Tops CSUSM, 2-1, to Advance to AII Final
SAN MARCOS, Calif. - No. 1-seed Ashford (Iowa) secured two goals in the first half and then held on against No. 4-seed Cal State San Marcos, 2-1, to secure a berth in the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Men's Soccer Tournament final.
Lucas Almeida put the Saints up 1-0 in the fourth minute by slotting home a shot to the far post from the right side of the box. AU was granted another when CSUSM conceded an own goal in the 23rd minute.
The Cougars were sent down to nine men in the second half, but were able to get one back. Thor English cut a ball back along the left end line before slotting home a shot to the front post in the 61st minute.
Ashford will face No. 2-seed Jamestown at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday for the A.I.I. title and an automatic berth to the NAIA tournament.
CSUSM finishes the year at 6-7-3 overall.
Cal State San Marcos 1, Ashford 2
Cal State San Marcos 0 1 - 1
Ashford 2 0 - 2
Goals: CSUSM- Thor English 1 (1); Ashford- Lucas Almeida 1 (11), Own Goal
Shots: CSUSM 10, Ashford 9
Corner Kicks: CSUSM 6, Ashford 4
Fouls: CSUSM 16, Ashford 11
Saves: Zach Sheppard (CSUSM) 5, Patrick Kinsella (Ashford) 4
