SAN LUIS OBSIPO, Calif.--- Cal State Fullerton put together one if its best performances of the season, as a timely first half goal and stingy defense were enough to shut out Cal Poly by the final of 1-0, Saturday afternoon at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
"Today we got a fantastic result against a very good team," said head coach Bob Ammann. "When you keep a clean sheet against a team that has averaged nearly three goals per game this season, you've obviously put in quality work."
"There were some chances that we felt we could have put away, but at the end of the day you only need one goal to win when you don't give up any on your end."
For the Titans (4-6, 1-1 Big West), the win marks their third in their last four contests and gives them their first victory over Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo since Nov. 14, 2004.
For Cal Poly (8-4, 1-1 Big West), the loss is just its second in its last eight contests, while it's the third time it's been shutout this season.
The Titans struck for the only score of the game in the 11th minute, as Jaime Cano converted on a penalty kick after a foul in the box to put Fullerton on top 1-0, making it the seventh time its scored first in a match this season.
Fullerton outshot Cal Poly 7-6 in the first half, but the Mustangs held a commanding 5-0 edge in corner kick opportunities, as Fullerton held a slim 1-0 lead at halftime.
The first half goal turned out to be all Fullerton would need, as senior goalie Bryan Escalante led a fantastic defensive effort, as he collected six saves while earning his first shutout win of the season.
The Titans were outshot 16-14 for the match and lost the corner back battle 6-1, but were able to capitalize when they needed to most.
With Fullerton's first conference win of the season in the books, it now shifts its focus to next week when it continues Big West play with a home game vs. UC Davis, Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Titan Stadium.