SAN FRANCISCO – The Pacific men's soccer team (3-9-2, 2-2-1) rode two second-half goals to its second win of the season over San Francisco (7-5-3, 0-4-1).
"We're pleased with the group's response after a disappointing Wednesday night," said Head Coach Adam Reeves. "I thought the work rates and the intensity that we brought from the outset was the difference in the match. We started the game well, because of some desire and some passion and you know, even though it was nil-nil at half time, I thought we were on top of the game from the get-go, and you know, early in the second half we were able to capitalize on it finally."
Senior Derick Roque put away his second goal of the season, while senior Emory Rapaport scored his first goal of the season in the win. Senior Samuel Saiz Herraiz and senior Avery Whipple both had assists. Saiz Herraiz led the team with six shots. Fifth-year senior Cooper Riley put two shots on goal. In goal, fifth-year senior Eric Cotton had six saves and recorded his first shutout of the season.
The Tigers fired eight shots in the first half, putting three on goal. The Dons' defense kept the Tigers off the scoreboard in the first half, taking a scoreless game into the half.
The Pacific offense awoke in the second half, taking only four shots, but quality beats quantity, as three were on goal. Roque put Pacific on the board early in the second half, burying the ball in the bottom right of the net. Rapaport put the second goal on the board in the 58th minute, finding the bottom right of the net once again. San Francisco looked to respond, firing 14 shots, five being on goal, but Cotton continued to turn the Dons away.
"I am happy for Emory," continued Reeves. "Derek had another good game and was very dangerous down the width. We got a shut out, so you know, even at two nil, and they're pushing on us. The back line did a good job keeping a clean sheet, and very proud of that. Looking forward to the next one Friday night."
Pacific is back home at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov 4, hosting San Diego.
