'Eaters Ride Strong Second Half to 2-1 Win, Tournament Berth
November 02, 2013 | Men's Soccer
IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine punched its ticket to the Big West Tournament with a gutsy win at Anteater Stadium Saturday night to the tune of 2-1.
The 'Eaters' 10th win of the season did not come easy as Cal State Fullerton (6-9-1, 3-4-1) set the tone early. Spencer Johnson cracked a pair of line drive shots on goal in the first 15 minutes that tested Anteater keeper Michael Breslin. Each time, Breslin was short-hopped and had to settle the ball before its momentum carried it across the goalline.
Marc Fenelus followed suit with a blast of his own that Breslin denied keeping the match scoreless through the early going. The Titans actually had the match's first six shots before the 'Eaters actually got their attack going.
UC Irvine (10-4-3, 5-2-1) woke up around the 25th minute rattling off some choice attempts. Cameron Iwasa got it going with a sharp shot inches over the bar. Lester Hayes III followed suit with a pair that were punched just inches high, however, the match remained a scoreless draw going into the half along with an even six shots apiece.
The second half begin with quick response from the 'Eaters. Cameron Iwasa played the ball while most of his shorts had been torn off dragging around his calves and ankles. He dribbled up through the defense and fed Mats Bjurman. Bjurman quickly flicked along a lob as the keeper approached him at the edge of the box only to see the sophomore's shot bound off the goalline and in to give UCI the 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.
Play resumed as UCI continued to pressure on offense. The Titans fired a shot in the 70th minute to break a string of 12 consecutive shots from the Anteater side.
The 'Eaters would let that stand for long as Christopher Santana played the space up the left wing. CSUF gathered the ball, but a pass back to the keeper was handled inside the box and led to an 'Eater free kick from five yards out to the left side of the goal. Bjurman and Santana stood over the ball as Bjurman nudged it to his right. Santana slid a tough-angle attempt underneath the wall and through Titan keeper Bryan Escalante for a much-needed insurance goal in the 73rd minute putting UCI up 2-0.
The goal proved vital as the Titans would cut the lead down in the 85th minute as a free kick attempt from 20 yards out by left-footed Mark Vazquez curled into the upper left corner and ramp up the remainder of the match.
The Anteaters would salt away the clock and assume the top spot in the Big West South division with a record of 5-2-1. The win guarantees a spot for the 'Eaters in the Big West Tournament and an inside track at a division title.
Michael Breslin had one of his best performances in net stopping four high-powered shots.
Mats Bjurman had a stellar match with his second goal of the season and fourth assist. All four assists for the sophomore have come in conference play as he delivers his first career three-point match.
Cameron Iwasa's unconventional assist was his fourth of the season. He stands at second on the squad with 14 points.
Christopher Santana knocked home what proved to be his first game-winner of the year, and gives him three goals on the season.
UCI ventures out to UC Riverside for its next match on Wed. Nov. 6 for a 7:00 p.m. match. The 'Eaters will return home next Saturday for the regular season finale against the ranked Matadors of Cal State Northridge for a 7:00 p.m. match.
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