FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton men's soccer team surrendered an early goal in the 19th minute to the University of Pacific and couldn't bounce back as the Titans dropped their home opener at Titan Stadium to the Tigers, 2-0.
With the defeat, CSUF falls to 4-5-0 on the season as they head into Big West conference play next week with home contests against Cal Poly on Thursday and UC Santa Barbara on Saturday.
The Titans got off to a slow start on the pitch as Pacific served as the aggressor early with a few chances on goal and numerous foul calls. Robert Coronado got the first shot on goal for Fullerton as he launched a free kick from a strong distance, but Tigers goalkeeper Curtis Goldsmith made the save.
In the 19th minute, the Tigers got on the board as a through-ball from Camden Riley and a pass in the box from Tristan Blackmon led to a goal for Julio Cervantes (his 4th on the year) to give Pacific an early 1-0 edge.
However, Fullerton battled back toward to end the first half as the Titans came within inches of getting the equalizer with two shots hitting the top crossbar. Coronado put up a good strike on a free kick from 25-yards out and Ross McPhie one-timed a shot from distance as both chances came close to knotting the score.
Eight minutes into the second, Pacific added to its lead with a goal from Alfredo Alcala in the 52nd that bounced off Titans goalkeeper Paul-Andre Guerin before trickling by him into the net.
Fullerton looked to cut the deficit minutes after the Tigers extended their lead, but Diego Sanchez' shot went just high of the net.
Brandon West, Alex Toderica and Nicolo D'Amato were the other lone Titans to record a shot on the afternoon.
CSUF continued to outshoot its opponents with nine shots to the Tigers' five, but couldn't find a rhythm in the attacking half as the Titans couldn't draw a corner all afternoon.
After two tough losses, Fullerton will look to get on back on track for conference play as the Titans host Cal Poly at Titan Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. PT.
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