Pridham Takes out Anteaters in Overtime

Cal Poly junior forward Mackenzie Pridham scored the golden goal on Sunday in overtime. The goal was his second of the game and team-leading 7th of the season. Photo by David Livingston

Cal Poly junior forward Mackenizie Pridham scored his team-leading sixth and seventh goals of the season in a shootout Sunday afternoon as Cal Poly beat UC Irvine in an overtime thriller. After giving up a 1-0 and 2-1 lead to the Anteaters, Pridham poked in a cross from Chase Minter past UC Irvine keeper Michael Breslin for the golden goal.

The conference victory came on the heels of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Cal State Northridge on Friday night. After being shut-out for the first time in conference play this year, the Mustangs pushed the tempo much more on both sides of the field. Cal Poly piled-up 15 shots — six of them on-goal. Pridham led the team with six shots and lead the Mustangs with seven goals on the season.

Cal Poly keeper Wade Hamilton made six saves as UC Irvine matched the Mustangs’ 15 shots throughout the match. Cal Poly’s win evens their conference record at 2-2 and improves their season record to 7-5-0.

After being shut-out 9 times last season and scoring only 15 goals in 18 games, the Mustangs have turned their offense around with a new system based on the style of FC Barcelona. This season, Cal Poly already has 18 goals in only 12 games.

Next week, Cal Poly visits Sacramento State on Friday before returning home next Tuesday to face UC-Davis.

Photos by David Livingston

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