SEASIDE, Calif. - Cal State Monterey Bay opened its 2026 campaign in winning fashion Thursday, running past Dominican University, 4-3, at Cardinale Stadium.
The Otters (1-0-0) made the most of their opportunities, scoring four times on just nine shots and five attempts on frame. Sophomore Kai Martin led the attack with a brace, while classmates Philip Wolny and Samir Warner each found the back of the net to help CSUMB secure the season-opening victory.
"Wow, what a game," CSUMB head coach Graeme Jaap said. "Every time we play Dominican, we know it's going to be a tough game and that we need to be ready for a fight. I'm very happy with the team's performance. There are certainly moments we'll need to improve on, but I'm really happy to start the season with a win against a tough team. It's always great to score four goals. The game changed with the red card, but the guys kept fighting until the end."
Martin was especially efficient in his 50 minutes on the pitch, scoring on both of his shots. Wolny added a goal and an assist, while senior Sylas Sells helped orchestrate the attack with two assists. Newcomer Diego Carbajal also picked up an assist for the Otters.
CSUMB ultimately needed nearly every bit of that offense to fend off a persistent Dominican side. The Otters raced out to a 4-1 lead after Wolny buried the fourth and final tally for CSUMB in the 50th minute, but a red card just two minutes later gave the Penguins life.
Dominican generated 21 shots, including 10 on goal, but goalkeeper Griffin Welch helped preserve the victory with seven saves while playing all 90 minutes in his Otter debut.
Martin's two-goal performance highlighted a productive opening night for the CSUMB attack. After missing much of last season, Wolny also made an immediate impact in his return to the lineup with three points on a goal and an assist.
Warner supplied an important contribution off the bench, scoring on his only shot on goal in 34 minutes of action.
The Otters finished with five shots on goal and put four of them past Dominican goalkeeper Colin Nestor, who recorded one save.
CSUMB remains at home when it hosts Jessup University on Thursday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Cardinale Stadium.
