Men's Soccer Picks Up First Big West Points In 2-2 Tie With CS Fullerton
10/21/2009 10:14:04 PM
It took a little longer than they might have hoped, but the UC Riverside Men's Soccer Team is on the board in the Big West following Wednesday evening's 2-2 tie against Cal State Fullerton (7-6-2, 3-2-1).
The Highlanders (1-12-1, 0-5-1) struck first in the 26th minute when Michael Galland found Joel Garcia (pictured) down the right side of the field. The Murietta, CA native pushed his shot past Titans keeper Trevor Whiddon for a 1-0 UCR lead.
The lead was short-lived, however, as nine minutes later Cal State Fullerton's Nick Posthuma stole the ball at midfield and led Kevin Venegas who beat UC Riverside's Cody Suppé for a 1-1 tie.
The teams took that score into halftime, but with 16:13 gone in the second, the Highlanders found themselves on a breakaway, and a foul on Whiddon in the box gave UCR a penalty kick. Alexander Racca connected on the shot for his first goal of the season and a 2-1 Highlanders advantage.
UC Riverside was on its way to its first conference win of the season, however they were called for a penalty in their box with 6:54 remaining in the second, and Venegas picked up his second goal of the night on the ensuing PK.
The teams battled through two overtime periods, but neither could find the back of the net as they settled for the 2-2 tie.
The Highlanders are on the road for their next two matches beginning with a Wednesday, October 28 meeting with Cal Poly. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm PT.