Blue-Green soccer rivalry has positive effect on Mustangs recruiting

Along with Justin Dhillon, Ari Lassiter headlined a talented freshman recruiting class for Cal Poly this season. By Owen Main

Cal Poly had its highest-ever rated recruiting last year – a testament to the program head coach Paul Holocher continues to build. A big reason for the team’s highly-rated class of freshmen has been the blue-green rivalry game and the Mustangs’ success over the past few years.

Cal Poly attacker Justin Dhillon was ranked as the number-eight recruit in the nation. One look at the rivalry and his mind was made-up.

“On my official visit I came during this game and went in the locker room with the team and everything and we ended up winning and the fans rushed the field,” said Dhillon. “When I got home, I was like, ‘Mom, dad, I have to come to this school. I have to be a part of this.’ So, it was pretty awesome to be a part of it. I mean I’ve been looking forward to it for a whole year.”

While UCSB has been to two National Championship games over the past decade, the more recent two-sided nature of the rivalry has had an effect on high-profile recruits for Cal Poly. Freshman Ari Lassiter, who is second on the Mustangs with 13 points and third on the squad with five goals this season was also at last year’s final leg of Cal Poly’s first season sweep of UCSB in recent memory.

“I was at the one last year — the one here at home that we won,” said Lassiter.

George Malki put the game-winner home in the second half and the crowd stormed the field as time ran-out. How big of a determining factor was it in Lassiter’s decision to come to Cal Poly?

“It’s a huge factor,” said Lassiter. “Who wouldn’t want to come to play in a packed stadium? They’re just behind you, behind the team, and it makes it so much easier to play.”

Despite the tie, Holocher has to be happy about the atmosphere that has become a staple at the UCSB game and has begun to spill over into other home games as well.

“I’m really very proud of the Cal Poly fans for coming out,” said Holocher. “This is a great rivalry and it was an exciting game. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get the winner tonight, but we’re proud of the effort.”

Fan Photos below by Owen Main