NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- Men's soccer continued its big postseason push with a sterling 2-0 shutout victory at CSUN Saturday night helping them pull even for second place in the Big West South.
The game got moving quite quickly with the opening score in the second minute. Thomas Janjigian's free kick landed to Matthew Tilley ultimately winding up on Jorge Lara's doorstep who put it home and give UC Irvine (5-9-3, 3-4-1) the 1-0 lead.
CSUN (7-7-2, 3-4-1) had its share of opportunities with shots off the crossbar and post, and directed its only shot on goal in the match in the half with Elliot Farmer keen to it to preserve the lead.
The 'Eaters put more distance between them in the 76th minute as Eduardo Calzada's long cross reached Luis Leon on the far post, and he would finish cementing the win, 2-0.
"Good team win tonight," Head Coach Chris Volk said. "We started and ended the game very well with our team defending. There were times in the middle of the game that we were under some pressure, but the guys were able to manage those moments and keep their composure."
Lara's goal gives him two on the season and his career in successive matches. It also stood as the game-winner, his first, helped along by Janjigian and Tilley, first assists on the year for each. Tilley's assist is No. 2 on his career while Janjigian has amassed eight.
Leon put home his third goal on the year. Calzada's assist is also No. 3 giving him 15 points.
Farmer made his third career start in net and took home his first ever win and shutout with the one save.
Each squad put up 10 shots while the Matadors held the advantage in fouls (19-10) and cautions (4-0).
"The guys earned two hard-fought road wins and six points this week to keep us in the hunt for a spot in the Big West Tournament."
The win locks the squads up with 10 points each in the Big West South, a tie for second place. The other Big West South result saw UC Riverside rise from the dead to equalize in the final minute and score the victory in overtime. The win saved the Highlanders' season giving it six points while bringing CSUF back to the rest of the field with 13 points.
Those same Titans will be in Anteater Stadium on Wed. Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m. with Big West title implications on the line.
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