SuperSubs Help Mustangs to Victory in Home Opener

Cal Poly keeper Chase Hauser earned his second shutout in three starts. Hauser earned Big West defensive player of the week for his efforts. Photo by David Livingston

Cal Poly men’s soccer capped a soccer doubleheader at Alex G. Spanos Stadium with a 1-0 win over Valparaiso in their home opener Sunday afternoon.

In a physical match, Cal Poly survived two major defensive mistakes to keep Valparaiso scoreless through the first 30 minutes. In the 33rd minute, junior forward Mackenzie Pridham headed in a cross from point-blank range. It was Pridham’s second goal of the season and proved to be the only score of the match.

The match was marked by physical play from both sides. The Mustangs tallied 18 fouls to the Crusaders’ 11. Three yellow cards were issued to Valparaiso and one to Cal Poly.

Sophomore keeper Chase Hauser made 3 saves, including one 1-1 breakaway chance, for his second shutout in three career starts. Hauser also earned Big West defensive player of the week for his efforts.

The game on Sunday was the first of five straight home games for the Mustangs, who host Temple, Army, Harvard, and UCLA over the next two weeks.

Coach Paul Holocher and Pridham talked after the game about the “FC Barcelona” style of play they are trying to implement at Cal Poly.

Pridham credited the energy of the first-half substitutes for the burst that led to the lone goal of the game.

Photos by David Livingston

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