STOCKTON, Calif. – Despite a strong defensive effort from goalkeeper
Alejandro Caracheo Luna, the Pacific men's soccer program saw its three-match unbeaten streak in West Coast Conference play come to an end Saturday evening, falling 3-0 to San Diego at Knoles Field.
The Tigers (3-8-3, 2-1-1 WCC) entered the contest riding momentum from back-to-back conference victories over Santa Clara and Saint Mary's, but the Toreros (7-3-3, 2-1-2 WCC) capitalized on early scoring opportunities to hand Pacific its first conference setback of the season.
Caracheo Luna highlighted Pacific's defensive performance, recording eight saves, including six in the second half, to help withstand San Diego's offensive pressure throughout the evening.
San Diego, the WCC preseason favorite, opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Taj Eagleston found the back of the net off a corner kick, giving the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.
The Toreros doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Steven Ramirez converted a penalty kick, sending Pacific into halftime facing a two-goal deficit.
Despite the early setback, Pacific continued battling defensively, with Caracheo Luna providing several key stops to keep the Tigers within striking distance.
Offensively,
Xavier Cisneros paced Pacific with two shot attempts, while
Massimo Erfani registered the Tigers' lone shot on goal in the 55th minute, testing San Diego goalkeeper Lucca Adams.
The Tigers faced sustained pressure throughout the second half as San Diego finished with 24 total shots, including 11 on goal. Pacific registered three shots in the contest.
San Diego added its final goal in the 88th minute when Iain Wagner scored from outside the penalty area to complete the 3-0 decision.
Pacific remains in contention for a berth in the inaugural WCC Men's Soccer Tournament, which will feature the top four teams at the end of the year.
Pacific returns to WCC action on Wednesday, Oct. 21, traveling to face San Francisco at 7 p.m. in its next conference contest.
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