by Sammi Sheppard on 2015-09-11
It was a scorcher for the Sept. 8 home opener, but California Baptist University couldn't find the offensive spark until late in the game. The Lancers scored in the last two minutes of the game, but it was a little too late as Cal State Dominguez Hills took the contest 3-1.
"When the momentum was in our favor, we looked good," said Coach Gregg Schroeder. "We looked dangerous."
CBU drops to 0-2-1, while the Toros improve to 2-1-0.
The Lancers had a chance to grab the first goal as it drew a penalty kick in the 23rd minute, but Toro goalkeeper Chase Gentry managed to make the diving save to keep it 0-0.
It didn't take long for the scoreless drought to end, however, as the Toros took advantage of a rebound in the 39th minute. Goalkeeper Noah Oyler made a diving stop on the first shot from CSUDH, but couldn't hold onto the ball, allowing Tony Alfaro to run on and touch it in, making it 1-0.
"As soon as we didn't score our PK and then let them in close to half, the momentum just completely swung," said Schroeder. "You can't allow your emotions to dictate your game, you have to keep playing."
Hoping to turn things around in the second half, CBU came out firing early. Jeromy Gurule got the first shot of the half in the 47th minute, but Gentry pushed it just wide of the goal.
In the 62nd minute, Daniel Moss looked to kick off his CBU debut in impressive fashion, finding himself in a good spot at the top of the six-yard box, but leaned a little too far back to send the ball over the crossbar.
Less than three minutes later, CSUDH struck again to put CBU in a 2-0 hole.
The Toros put added pressure by finding their third goal of the night in the 76th minute, taking advantage of a missed clear from the Lancers. The ball fell to an open CSUDH player at the top of the box, who caught CBU off guard behind them.
Despite being down 3-0, the Lancer subs brought some energy to the field, leading to Gurule getting another look on the frame in the 77th minute, once again pushed wide of the net.
"I'm happy with the fact that the guys I put in at the end of the game didn't stop, they kept going," said Schroeder. "That's what got them the goal."
Aidan Apodaca — who led the team in goals last season but has been battling an injury — came in off the bench in the second half and netted the lone goal. The sophomore showed his fancy footwork, taking on multiple Toros to break through on a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper. Apodaca kept his shot low and on frame to cap the scoring at 3-1.
CBU continues its quick play, heading to No. 10-ranked Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Two days later, the Lancers return to Lancer Soccer Field to host UC San Diego at 4:30 p.m.
"I'm hoping to get two wins," said Schroeder looking at the next two games. "We play the toughest of the three games [we'll play this week] on Thursday. CPP is the No. 10 team. They're a good team. They're organized and smart. We're going to face a really difficult opponent, but when we're on and we're dangerous, we're a difficult team."