SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – #8 California State University San Bernardino men's soccer earned a 5-1 victory over Fresno Pacific Sunday afternoon at Premier Field on Alumni Day.
With the win, the Yotes improved to 10-1-2 overall and 6-1-0 in CCAA play, securing their 10th victory of the season.
The Yotes opened the scoring in the 12th minute when senior midfielder Alix Soukup received the ball, turned, and laid it off to the right for sophomore forward Nevin Rueegger. Rueegger squared a first-time pass across the box to senior forward Rafa Fonseca, who finished from close range to give CSUSB an early 1-0 lead.
Just over three minutes later, the Yotes doubled their advantage in the 15th minute when Fonseca broke through the defense for a one-on-one opportunity. Fonseca's initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but Rueegger was there to slide home the rebound, giving CSUSB a 2-0 lead. The goals marked the fifth of the season for both Fonseca and Rueegger, moving them into a tie for the team lead.
The Sunbirds answered back with a goal of their own in the 30th minute, cutting the Yotes' lead to 2-1.
The Yotes responded in the 41st minute when Soukup received the ball, turned, and dribbled forward before delivering a perfectly timed through ball to sophomore midfielder Josiah Martinez, who finished for his second goal of the season to restore the Coyotes' two-goal advantage at 3-1.
The Yotes entered halftime with a 3-1 lead after outshooting Fresno Pacific 11-5 in the opening half.
The Coyotes extended their lead in the 80th minute following a corner kick. Martinez brought the ball down and laid it off to senior forward Dominic Castaneda, who found senior midfielder Jahir Gonzalez-Sandoval. Gonzalez-Sandoval connected on a first-time volley for his first goal of the season, giving the Yotes a 4-1 advantage.
Nine minutes later, the Yotes capped off the afternoon in the 89th minute following another corner kick. The ball was played back to senior defender Ty Kerns, who whipped a cross into the penalty area. Freshman forward Hugo Gomez brought the ball down for freshman midfielder Christopher Mencos, who connected on a powerful right-footed volley for his first collegiate goal, sealing the 5-1 victory. The play also marked Gomez's first collegiate assist.
CSUSB finished the afternoon with an 18-9 advantage in shots, including nine on goal.
Fifth-year goalkeeper Donovan Palomares played all 90 minutes, recording five saves while allowing just one goal. With the victory, Palomares improved his record to 6-0-2 on the season.
Next up for the Yotes, CSUSB will hit the road to face Cal State Dominguez Hills on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at Toro Stadium in Carson, Calif.
