Anteaters Upset No. 5 Matadors, 1-0
October 26, 2013 | Men's Soccer
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- UCI kept its Big West South run going with a big-time win over the fifth-ranked Cal State Northridge, 1-0, Saturday night at Matador Soccer Feld.
Mitchell Alvarez took advantage of a broken play in the 10th minute to get the scoring going. Mats Bjurman chipped a shot off the crossbar, and the rebound was pounced on by Alvarez who buried it and gave UCI the early 1-0 lead.
The 'Eaters responded quickly thereafter with a chance from Cameron Iwasa, but it sailed wide.
CSUN (12-3-1, 4-2-1) had a great chance midway through the half as Edwin Rivas fired from the left side of the box, but keeper Michael Breslin and senior defender Marco Franco combined on the stop.
UCI (9-4-3, 4-2-1) took a slight advantage in shots into the half at 6-5, and built on that with a 7-1 advantage in the second half along with all three of the match's corner kicks en route to its ninth victory of the season.
The 'Eaters moved into a tie with the Matadors atop the Big West South division with a record of 4-2-1. The win over the fifth-ranked Matadors also marks the fourth straight ranked opponent UCI has defeated. The 'Eaters downed a 21st-ranked Matador squad to end 2012 and took down No. 16 Louisville and No. 11 UCLA earlier in 2013.
Alvarez's goal was his second game-winner in as many matches and his third goal of the season. Bjurman provided his third assist.
Keeper Michael Breslin stopped three shots in recording his Big West-leading seventh shutout of the year.
UCI returns home next Saturday, Nov. 2, with a 7:00 p.m. match against Cal State Fullerton.
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