IRVINE, Calif. – Dominican men's soccer fell in a physical 2-1 game with Concordia University Irvine on Saturday afternoon at Golden Eagles Field.
The game saw 24 fouls and five yellow cards issued between the two teams as
Rolando Gonzalez scored his fourth goal of the season for the Penguins (3-6-1, 1-2-1 PacWest). The Golden Eagles (4-3-1, 2-0-0 PacWest) were led by Griffin Welch's five saves.
Sergio Laguna had the first quality shot of the contest for either time as he popped a ball to himself settled it at the top of the box around a defender and then sent the ball towards the back post. After it appeared CUI had a shot on frame that was ruled offside,
Rolando Gonzalez stole a ball from a defender a yard outside of the box and immediately put the ball inside the left post for the 1-0 Dominican lead. Kevin Sanchez made a good run into the box for the Golden Eagles and a nice service found him for a header near the penalty spot in the 29th minute, but he was not able to get enough on it to steer it down and the shot went high and out of bounds.
Alejandro Suarez-Amaya shook loose from the defense on the counter in the 31st minute and tried to go near post but got under it a bit too much with his shot also going high.
CUI had a good look at goal in the 36th minute as Angel Reyes attempted to go back post on Nestor, but Nestor settled in and easily connected the ball as it crossed in front of him for the save. The Golden Eagles took advantage of a defensive turnover one minute later finding Miguel Arroyo at the top of the box and he beat Nestor left post for the 1-1 tie. Some quick ball movement freed up Sarod Williams on the right side of the box for the Penguins in the 42nd minute for a shot but Griffin Welch was there to make the save against his post to keep the game tied at the break.
The Golden Eagles broke the tie in the 73rd minute as a free kick was headed by Hugo Viramontes to Andrew Jun at the left post and his header was sent towards the line. It appeared Nestor had made the save initially but the line judge ruled the ball crossed the goal line to make it 2-1. Dominican had two good looks at an equalizer, both on free kicks. The first set piece came in the 74th minute as the free kick found
Brandon Selway in the box but he was unable to generate power on his header attempt allowing Welch to make the save. In the 81st minute, the Penguins drew a foul at the top of the box creating a chaotic situation with teams jostling for position in a crowded area.
Max Reckerman took the free kick but his shot hit the wall and was steered clear of danger.
Dominican will have a long break before turning its attention to Jessup for a meeting of conference foes Saturday, October 18, at 1:30 p.m. PDT at Warrior Field in Rocklin, California.
