By Kyle Trembley
Cougar men’s soccer did everything but win the game Saturday night in Arizona, controlling play but losing focus late in the game to fall 2-1 to Mid-American Nazarene University.
CSUSM is now 2-2 on the year. MNU improves to 1-1.
In a game where CSUSM held an 8-6 shots advantage and a 10-1 corner kicks advantage, the Cougars took a 1-0 lead past the 75th minute but couldn’t hold on. For Head Coach Ron Pulvers’ super young squad, it’s a tough result, but a positive learning experience.
“We missed golden opportunities to finish the game, and their keeper made two outstanding saves to keep them in it,” commented Pulvers. “But for the most part, we played great, and I’m very pleased with the effort.”
After a scoreless first half in which CSUSM had numerous scoring chances, the Cougars finally broke through in the 62nd minute. Panos Kotselas played Max Blumenshine in behind the defense, and Blumenshine finally beat the MNU keeper with a great finish.
But in the 78th minute, an MNU counterattack perplexed the CSUSM defense, resulting in the equalizer. A Cougar player was red carded within a few minutes, and in the 83rd MNU recorded the game winner, with CSUSM missing another late opportunity to tie it.
Now 2-2, the Cougars will be at home against the #2 team in the nation, Master’s College, Wednesday at 5:00 PM.