SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The CSUSB Coyotes remained unbeaten in CCAA action and gave San Francisco State their first loss of the season on Friday afternoon at Premier Field, taking the closely fought match, 1-0.
The match was tied at half but the game-winner came off the foot of Fabian Roman in the 67th minute. Danny Ortiz set him up with a square ball just outside the box which Roman struck from his left foot into the net.
"We knew today was going to be a tough test, especially after such an exhausting game on Wednesday against Cal Poly Pomona", head coach Darren Leslie said. "It showed in the first half as we were uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and never seemed to get going. We made a couple minor adjustments at half time and full credit to the boys who produced another outstanding second half performance. SFSU made it very difficult for us today and in the end it took a wonder strike from Fabi to clinch all three points."
The defense was solid for both sides in this one, with CSUSB trailing in total shots, 6-7, but leading in shots on goal, 3-1. Ortiz got a great look in the 54th minute that was blocked, but was on the assist just 13 minutes later. Jonathan Garcia got a shot on frame in the 86th minute, but it was blocked, but CSUSB was able to set back any attacks from there to claim the win.
The Coyotes have won four-straight matches and are 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the CCAA. They remain at home next week hosting Chico State on Friday at 3 pm and Stanislaus State on Sunday at 2 pm. Live links are available at csusbathletics.com.
