No. 14 UCI, Ortiz Lock Down Late Win at CSUF, 1-0
October 29, 2014 | Men's Soccer
FULLERTON, Calif. --- The 14th-ranked Anteaters and Cal State Fullerton Titans brought all the theatrics to the final five minutes, but the result fell UCI's way, 1-0, Wednesday night at Titan Stadium.
The finishing blow was delivered in the 85th minute off of a brilliant team play started by Noah Gaines. He gathered a clearance and fed it perfectly onto Gerardo Gonzalez in the middle of the box who chested it down to a passing Mario Ortiz. Ortiz bobbed and weaved through defenders before slipping the ball around Titan keeper Jeff Salt to make it 1-0, UCI.
Cal State Fullerton (8-7-3, 3-4-1) revved back up pressuring down the final minutes and was nearly rewarded with 30 seconds to play. The Titans built an attack finishing on Mark Vasquez who punched a shot at keeper Michael Breslin. The shot trickled behind Breslin, but his brother, Bryan, pounced on the loose ball before it rolled across the line to preserve the shutout and the win.
UC Irvine (12-3-2, 4-3-1) turned up its play in the second half with eight shots totaling 10 in the match. CSUF ultimately led the match with 13 following an 8-2 advantage after one half. They also did so in corner kicks, 7-6, and fouls, 16-4.
Both keepers held their own with Breslin stopping all five shots that came his way while Salt denied three of the 'Eaters' chances.
Ortiz's goal was his third of the season, all coming in conference play, and second game-winner along with his strike vs. Sacramento State.
Assists from Gonzalez and Gaines were their fourth and second, respectively.
The win boosts UC Irvine back by itself into the top spot in the Big West South with 13 points. It holds a two-point advantage over UC Riverside, three points over the Titans, and six points over last-place CSUN.
The 'Eaters play at CSUN on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7:00 p.m. with a chance solidify a spot in the Big West Tournament.
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