SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer team dropped its season opener to Dominican University, 2-1, Thursday night at Cardinale Stadium.

The Otters got their first goal in the young season when junior transfer Sylas Sells buried his first tally in a CSUMB uniform. The Fresno product found the back of the net in the 82nd minute when he headed home a loose ball five yards out.

The Otters outshot the Penguins, 17-11, as Damon Smith and Mason Ward paced CSUMB with three shots apiece. Junior goalkeeper Aria Afshar was credited with four saves in his first career start for the Otters.

The Penguins took a 2-0 lead on goals from Jake Kazlauskas (42nd) and Dimani Mathlin on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.

CSUMB will return to action when it hosts Menlo College on Sunday, September 14. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.