Box ScoreSTOCKTON, Calif. — The Dominican University of California men's soccer team began its season a little earlier than usual. Just three days after his squad assembled for training for the first time this season,
Phil Billeci-Gard's team traveled to Stockton for an exhibition at the University of the Pacific, whose program was taking the field for the first time since November 1985. Dominican held its own but eventually fell 2-1 in double overtime.
"We haven't had much time to implement our style and gel as a team but tonight will be a good — and early — test for us," said Billeci-Gard before the match. "It also provides our players a chance to play at the Division I level."
The Penguins fared well against their Division I opponents despite UOP entering with 12 practices under its belt. In fact, Dominican took the match's first three shots including
Kolby Mitnick's shot on goal in the first 30 seconds of play. The Tigers answered with nine unaswered shots the rest of the half including a set piece that resulted in a second-chance goal from Christian Aldama in the 22nd minute. Mitnick equalized things in the 58th minute who beat the keeper to low far post from a feed from the end line by sophomore
Lee LeVerrier.
Mitnick's goal stood the remainder of regulation and the Penguins forced overtime. While Dominican's effort was impressive for as little as the team has practiced, the Tigers managed a goal in the 104th minute off a restart. Jamie Bent nailed the game winner from 12 yards out on a deflection from two of his teammates.
Mitnick finished the night with three shots, two on goal. LeVerrier also placed one shot on goal. Senior goalie
Erik Anderson kept the Penguins in it with six saves.
"Obviously you want to win whether or not it's an exhibition," said Billeci-Gard. "Still, there are plenty of positives to take away and we have two weeks to prepare for where we need to be."
Dominican plays its first regular season match of the season on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Chico State. The Penguins' first home game is on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 12 p.m. vs. Cal State San Bernardino.
