Cal Poly men’s soccer comes from behind to defeat UC Davis, earn playoff spot
The Cal Poly men’s soccer team defeated UC Davis 3-2 in San Luis Obispo on a rainy Sunday afternoon, earning the Mustangs a playoff spot.
The Mustangs (6-5-4, 4-1-3 Big West) trailed the Aggies (7-9-1, 3-4-1 Big West) 2-1 at halftime at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, but two second-half goals handed Cal Poly a victory on Senior Night.
Coach Steve Sampson said the match was one of “two distinct halves.”
While UC Davis was more physical and aggressive during the first half, Cal Poly applied pressure to dominate the second half, according to Sampson.
“They came out and played with a lot more energy, passion and commitment to win the game,” Sampson said.
Team captain Josh Graham said the Mustangs demonstrated their character by returning from behind for the first time this season.
“I’m super proud of the boys,” Graham said. “I’m absolutely over the moon.”
Each team scored from a corner kick play in the first half.
UC Davis scored in the 14th minute as midfielder Andy Velasquez’s kick bounced off Cal Poly goalkeeper Carlos Arce-Hurtado and an Aggie defender.
Cal Poly answered in the 25th minute. A corner kick from Mustang defender Logan Thralls was flicked by defender Andrew Forth for Emmanuel Perez to find the back left of the net.
UC Davis regained the lead as midfielder Grant Fidler struck the ball past Arce-Hurtado.
Graham said he felt frustrated heading into the locker room, but quickly focused his mindset to prepare the Mustangs to win.
“I knew that I had to get the boys up for the second half,” Graham said. “I told them to keep positive: ‘They’ve scored two goals, why can’t we do it? We’re a better team and I believe in this team.’ ”
Cal Poly tied up the game 12 minutes into the second half as Thralls took a corner kick that Perez headed into the net.
In the 63rd minute, defender Jackson Brady crossed the ball to Drew Patterson to score the game-winning goal from 18 yards out.
Patterson said was happy with the results and looks to make more contributions during the Mustangs’ campaign.
“It feels amazing to get my first goal in my college career,” Patterson said. “It was a great ball by Jackson.”
Sampson said he was pleased to see two forwards score goals, as midfielders and defenders have scored more goals in previous matches.
“We’ve been working hard to get our forwards to be more offensive-minded,” the coach said. “I think this team can play well and beat anybody in the conference.”
Cal Poly will play at Cal State Bakerfield on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
If the Mustangs win, Cal Poly will host a Big West Tournament opening-round game on Nov. 3.
This story was originally published October 24, 2021 at 8:11 PM with the headline "Cal Poly men’s soccer comes from behind to defeat UC Davis, earn playoff spot."
