SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – A penalty kick by sophomore forward Leland Archer in the 57th minute wasn't enough to overcome two first half Cal Poly goals as the Cougars fell 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
“We played two talented teams this weekend,” said head coach Ralph Lundy. “There were parts of both games this weekend where we played well, but did not put full games together. Both games were great tests as we prepare for conference play next weekend.”
The Cougars (3-3-1) created a share of scoring chances but the Mustangs defense limited CofC to only four shots on goal throughout the match. Junior Goalkeeper Kevin Shields, in his third straight start, tallied five huge saves to help keep The College in the game.
Cal Poly struck early in the match when Matt LaGrassa scored on a cross he received from Justin Dhillon in the 15th minute. The Mustangs would add to their lead in the 34th minute on a goal from Kaba Alkebulan. Kip Kolvey assisted Alkebulan to give Cal Poly a 2-0-halftime lead.
Out of the break, the Cougar offense pushed the tempo on the Mustangs that resulted in a foul on the left edge of the box by Cal Poly defender Kody Wakasa. Leland Archer buried his second penalty kick of the season to cut the deficit in half to 2-1.
The College got off four other shots in the second half but none good enough to the tie the game. Shields and the Cougar defense shutout the Mustang offense throughout the second period.
The Cougars will open Colonial Athletic Association play when they return home with a match against William & Mary on Sept. 26 at Patriots Point.
