FULLERTON, Calif. – After a slow first half Cal State Fullerton men's soccer (2-1) exploded in the second half for two goals to claim a 2-0 victory over Santa Clara (0-3) Friday night at Titan Stadium.
Junior Ross McPhie scored in the 51st minute on a bouncing ball after Santa Clara was unable to clear the corner kick. Mcphie gained control of the ball, turned past the defender and buried the shot past the goalkeeper to break the scoreless match.
In the 74th minute first year transfer Mark Hernandez shook-off his defender with quick dribbling and fired a perfect ball from just outside the box to the top right corner of the net just past the keepers extended arm for his first goal as a Titan.
"I've wanted this goal really bad. I've worked really hard to get this goal, I just feel lucky that I was able to get it," Hernandez said.
Fullerton far outplayed the Broncos, out-shooting them 13 to six and earning two more corner kicks, six to four. For the second straight game the Titans defense was stifling, giving up just one shot on goal which keeper Paul-Andre Guerin saved with ease.
The Titans showed their quickness and athleticism with the ball, forcing Santa Clara to take 20 fouls on the night including five yellow cards.
Fullerton was forced to play the last 15 minutes of the fixture a man short following Michael Lopez receiving a red card. Head Coach George Kuntz said after the game that other guys will have to step in the next match with the absence of Lopez.
The Titans will now head north to take on the University of Portland Monday at 7 p.m. in what will be a hostile environment with it being Portland's homecoming match.
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