FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton men's soccer suffered a tough loss to UC Riverside, falling 2-1 Saturday night at UCR Soccer Stadium.
The Titans (7-6-2) fell behind early in the match, giving up a penalty kick on a handball inside their 18-yard box. Highlander Olli Pirinen scored on the penalty kick in the fifth minute to give UC Riverside (2-11) the 1-0 lead.
Fullerton far outplayed the Highlanders statistically, especially in the first half. The Titans outshot UC Riverside 11 to three in the first 45 minutes and earned three corner kicks while giving up none to the Highlanders. In total, Fullerton outshot UC Riverside 16 to 5 while earning six corner kicks and giving up four.
Samuel Goni answered for the Titans in the 57th minute on a great cross from Mark Hernandez that he hit on a one-timer to the far right post to tie the game at 1-1. The goal was Goni's fourth of the season.
Fullerton's defense, however, gave up a heartbreaking last goal to James Alewine III in the 80th minute off of a one-timer on a throw in. The Titans battled hard to find an equalizer in the final 10 minutes but were unable to answer.
With the loss the Titans move to third place in the Big West Conference South Division with seven points and a record of 2-3-1. UC Irvine and Northridge are tied for first place with eight points and a record of 2-2-2.
The Titans look to bounce back after the tough loss Wednesday when they took on the Anteaters at UC Irvine at 7 p.m. PT.
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