MORAGA, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton's men's soccer team dropped its third road match of the season on Sunday with a 2-0 loss to St. Mary's at St. Mary's Stadium.
With the loss, the Titans enter Sunday's home-opener against Pacific with a 4-4-0 record and split this weekend's road trip after winning Friday's match at San Francisco, 1-0.
The first half proved to be pretty even between both teams as the Titans and Gaels finished the half with six total shots and three saves. Fullerton did dominate drawing corners in the first 45 minutes as the Titans had seven and St. Mary's didn't draw one.
Oscar Flores and Ruben Alvarez had the closest chances for Fullerton in the first 45 as Flores lined up a strike from a good distance, but the ball got deflected and went just high of the top post. Alvarez' chance came late in the half from 20-yards out as the senior's powerful strike was stopped by a diving save from keeper Remi Prieur.
In the second, Alvarez got the Titan attack going with a beautiful curving shot the bent right but went outside of the right post, keeping the match scoreless.
Minutes later, St. Mary's freshman Joseph Restani had a shot on goal that deflected off of Titans goalkeeper Paul-Andre Guerin to give the Gaels a 1-0 advantage. The goal snapped Guerin's 374-minute scoreless streak in the net.
Needing an equalizer, Ronaldo Pineda almost gave Fullerton exactly what it needed, but his shot on goal would be saved by the Gaels keeper.
Kai Howe sealed the victory for St. Mary's as the sophomore added another goal for the Gaels, giving his squad a 2-0 lead.
Alex Toderica almost netted his first goal of the year in the 81st minute, but the junior's strike hit the right post.
The Titans finished the match with 16 shots (eight on goal), seven saves and 10 corners. Guerin also collected seven saves, which is the most in a match this season for the true freshman.
Up next for the Fullerton men's soccer squad is its home-opener against Pacific at Titan Stadium on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT. For more information and updates on the Titans, follow us on Twitter & Instagram (@CSUFMensSoccer) and like our Facebook page (Cal State Fullerton Men's Soccer).