STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific men's soccer team battled from a two-goal halftime hole, ultimately falling to Cal State Northridge, 3-1, on Sunday night at Knoles Field.
Despite facing a deficit, the Tigers (1-4-2) came out of the break with renewed energy and battled their way back into the match against the Matadors (3-2-1).
CSUN struck first in the 12th minute, taking advantage of an early opportunity to grab a 1-0 lead. The Matadors added another goal just before halftime, sending Pacific into the break trailing 2-0.
Pacific generated increased pressure in the attacking third, creating several chances and forcing CSUN goalkeeper Dorian Drucks into action.
Freshman
Jackson Montero tested Drucks in the 53rd minute before senior
Massimo Erfani followed with another opportunity.
The continued pressure eventually paid off in the 60th minute. Erfani put a shot on frame that was saved initially, but Pacific stayed with the play and capitalized on the rebound to bring the Tigers within one at 2-1 on an own goal.
With momentum shifting in Pacific's favor, the Tigers pushed for the equalizer. CSUN, however, answered in the 80th minute, restoring its two-goal advantage and held on for the result.
Despite the late setback, Pacific continued to compete through the final whistle. Graduate student
Mateus Ruiz-Hurst kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the night, finishing his effort with five saves off 13 CSUN shot attempts.
Pacific looks ahead to a two-match road swing next week, beginning with a clash in the state capital and taking on Sacramento State on Thursday at 4 p.m. from Hornet Field.
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