SEASIDE, Calif. — Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer took full advantage of a late lifeline Thursday afternoon, getting an 87th-minute game-winner from
Olof Larsson to defeat Fresno Pacific, 2-1, at Cardinale Stadium and extend its unbeaten streak to five consecutive matches.
The victory improved the Otters to 8-2-3 overall and 4-1-3 in conference play, while marking their fourth consecutive win. CSUMB has gone 4-0-1 over its last five matches and has now earned a result in seven of its last eight.
With the match tied 1-1 and less than eight minutes remaining, Fresno Pacific was awarded a penalty kick at 82:29. Zion Vaughn stepped to the spot with an opportunity to put the Sunbirds ahead, but his attempt missed, keeping the Otters alive.
CSUMB made the most of the opportunity.
Just four minutes and five seconds later, the Otters struck at the other end.
Sylas Sells created the chance before Larsson buried the go-ahead goal at 86:34, with Sells and
Cam Fisk earning assists on the play. The goal was Larsson's second of the season and ultimately stood as the game-winner.
Monterey Bay had been forced to respond almost immediately after falling behind. Fresno Pacific scored just 1:15 into the contest, but
Philip Wolny answered at 7:47, needing just over six minutes to bring the Otters level. Wolny's goal was his fifth of the season.
The score remained deadlocked through halftime and deep into the second half as Fresno Pacific increased its pressure. Goalkeeper
Jerry Godfryd helped keep the Otters within striking distance, making all five of his saves after halftime. He produced stops in the 57th, 65th, 71st, 74th and 83rd minutes before the missed penalty provided CSUMB with its biggest break of the afternoon.
Moments later, Monterey Bay capitalized.
Sells fired an attempt in the 87th minute, and Larsson followed seconds later with the decisive finish to complete the comeback and keep CSUMB's surge rolling.
The Otters finished with 13 shots and six on goal, while Fresno Pacific recorded 16 shots with six on target. Wolny and
Mason Ward each finished with two shots, while Wolny put both of his attempts on frame. Sells recorded the assist on the winner and Fisk added his assist while playing all 90 minutes.
After opening the unbeaten stretch with a 3-3 draw at Cal Poly Pomona, Monterey Bay has rattled off four straight victories, defeating Cal State Dominguez Hills, UC Merced, Chico State and Fresno Pacific. The Otters have outscored their opponents 13-4 during the five-match unbeaten run, including three shutouts.
The Otters now head to No. 9 Cal State San Bernardino for a Saturday matinee at noon.
