COSTA MESA, Calif. —
Sylas Sells picked the perfect time to find the back of the net. With just 12 seconds remaining in regulation, Sells scored the match-winner to lift Cal State Monterey Bay to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Vanguard Thursday afternoon at the VU Soccer Field.
The victory keeps the Otters' perfect start intact as CSUMB improves to 4-0-0 on the season.
After nearly 90 minutes of scoreless soccer,
Philip Wolny helped create the decisive moment in the closing seconds. Wolny connected with Sells, who delivered his second goal of the season at the 89:48 mark to send the Otters home with the victory.
The late strike capped a patient second half for Monterey Bay after Vanguard controlled much of the attacking play early.
The Lions outshot CSUMB 7-2 during the opening 45 minutes, but the Otter defense held firm and did not allow a shot on goal as the teams went into halftime scoreless.
CSUMB began to find more opportunities after the break.
Josh Moll forced Vanguard goalkeeper Caleb Johnson into a save in the 51st minute before
Aziah Nelson and
Liam Rawson each put attempts on frame during a dangerous stretch midway through the half.
Welch stopped Vanguard's only shot on goal, making a save on Kyle Nelson in the 54th minute to earn his first clean sheet of the season.
Damon Smith and
Jacob Burnison each played the full 90 minutes in front of Welch as the Otters posted their first shutout of 2026.
CSUMB finished with eight shots, placing five on goal, while Vanguard produced 11 attempts but managed just one on target. The teams were even with three corner kicks apiece.
Sells' winner continued his strong start to the season, giving him his second goal after also scoring in CSUMB's 7-1 victory over Cal State East Bay. Wolny picked up his fourth assist of the year on the deciding goal.
The victory gives Monterey Bay four consecutive wins to begin the season, with the Otters outscoring their opponents 15-4 during the stretch. It is the first time the Otters have started 4-0 since 2019.
CSUMB will continue its road trip with a Saturday contest at Point Loma. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
