October 25, 2008

SEASIDE, Calif. – Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer team produced one of its strongest second half offensive performances of the season, but was not enough to over come a 3-0 first half deficit as the Otters fell 3-2 to Humboldt State University in their final California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference game.

The Otters fell to 3-11-4 overall (3-8-3 CCAA) as the Lumberjacks improved to 8-6-4 overall (3-6-3 CCAA).

The Jacks broke the deadlock 19 minutes in when junior Matt Colwell took a pass from Josh Suggs and curled a shot just inside the far post.

HSU doubled its lead three minutes later when Russell Vernon scored off a free kick by Tony Ramirez. 

The Jacks took a 3-0 lead into the half after an own goal was recorded when a CSUMB defender headed the ball into his own net.

After a motivating speech by head coach Artie Cairel, the Otters came out with intensity in the second half.

Just 43 second in, junior #Randall Rigali# took a cross by junior #Juan Murillo# and tapped it past HSU goalkeeper Drew Ryan. 

The Otters struck again in the 53rd minute when junior #Nate Torricelli# crushed one to the back of the net off a sophomore #Grant Robson#'s free kick.

CSUMB outshot the Jacks 7-3 in the second half as both teams finished with a total of 12 shots each for the game.

The Otters host St. Martin's University (WA) on Friday, Oct. 31 in a non-conference match-up.  Kick-off is at 3 p.m.