CARSON, Calif. - #9 California State University San Bernardino men's soccer earned a 2-1 road victory over defending CCAA regular-season champion Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday night.
With the win, the Coyotes improve to 11-1-2 overall and 7-1-0 in CCAA play. The victory marks CSUSB's first road win over the Toros since 2018.
After a scrappy start from both sides, CSUSB opened the scoring in the 12th minute after winning back possession. Senior defender Ty Kerns whipped a cross in from the right side that bounced off the Toros' defenders and fell to sophomore midfielder Josiah Martinez. Martinez squared the ball to sophomore forward Nevin Rueegger, who finished into the lower-right corner for his team-leading sixth goal of the season.
At halftime, CSUSB held a 7-6 edge in shots, while the Toros led 3-2 in shots on goal.
Good buildup play by the Yotes sent senior midfielder Alix Soukup through on goal in the 54th minute, where he was brought down by the Toros' goalkeeper. Soukup was initially shown a yellow card for simulation, but a VAR review overturned the decision and awarded CSUSB a penalty. Soukup stepped up himself, but his spot kick struck the right post, leaving the lead at 1-0.
The missed penalty came back to haunt the Coyotes in the 69th minute when the Toros whipped a well-placed free kick in from the left side. The ball found the upper-left corner, leaving Palomares with no chance and leveling the match at 1-1.
Over the final 15 minutes, play went back and forth as each team pushed for a winner, but the Coyotes had the last word. With just 31 seconds remaining, fifth-year midfielder Kenny Livernois whipped a free kick into the box, where junior defender Damian Gonzalez headed home the game-winner to secure CSUSB's 2-1 victory.
CSUSB finished with a 22-15 advantage in shots, including a 9-7 edge in shots on goal.
Fifth-year goalkeeper Donovan Palomares played all 90 minutes, recording six saves while allowing one goal. With the victory, Palomares improved his record to 8-0-2 on the season.
Next up, CSUSB begins a key stretch in its pursuit of first place in the CCAA with two matches at Premier Field. The Coyotes host Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday, Oct. 17 for Senior Day before facing Cal State Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 23 for Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Both matches kick off at noon.
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