One word has come up time and time again when Cal Poly men’s soccer describes Mustang Memorial Field.
Fortress.
Now undefeated in their last 12 matches at home, a streak dating back to 2023, the men’s soccer squad has made Spanos Stadium one of the hardest venues for opposing teams to visit.
The Mustangs (2-3-2) continued their home domination against Utah Tech (1-4-3) earlier this week, scoring a program-record eight goals in a shutout win.
“That’s a result that has been coming,” Head Coach Oige Kennedy said. “We were very efficient with the chances and took them, and I think that’s the biggest difference.”
The Mustangs broke multiple records in the weeknight matchup, with junior forward Jack Civitts becoming the first Mustang in 17 years with a three-assist game.
A historic night
Cal Poly’s previous record of seven goals occurred on Sept. 20, 1996 against Texas-Pan American (now UTRGV).
Seven individual assists on Cal Poly’s eight goals for another new program record.
Cal Poly had 14 shots, eight shots-on-goal and eight goals against the Trailblazers.
Sophomore forward Quinn Mahoney led the way with two goals for his first career brace, followed closely by six other Mustang goalscorers.
Senior midfielder Bakuena Ramakatsa converted in the 13th minute to score his first goal as a Mustang, followed by freshman defender Tanner Casey’s third goal of 2025. Civitts closed out the first half with a goal of his own to add on to his three assists.
Cal Poly didn’t slow down in the second half, as another Mahoney goal, sophomore forward Finn Linas’ first goal of 2025, a penalty from senior forward Oren Stuppel, and a finishing touch by junior forward Sean McTague rounded out the 8-0 scoreline.
We put in so much work as a team, and to be able to pay it forward to my brothers is an awesome feeling,” Civitts said. “For me, assists are the same as goals.”
Jumping out to an early lead also gave some key Mustang starters the opportunity to rest after playing back-to-back games for much of their non-conference season.
Senior defender Nico Baltazar was the only Cal Poly player to play all 90 minutes, with senior goalkeeper Nicky McCune even getting subbed out late in the match.
“It was great to be able to get some guys out who’ve been on heavy minutes and we also have a lot of trust in the guys that came in, so it’s good to get them a reward as well,” Kennedy said.
Cal Poly nearly pulled off a complete line change in the match, using 11 substitutes throughout the course of the match.
Many Mustangs found instant success coming onto the field, as four separate players scored their first goal of the season against Utah Tech, filling up the scoresheet in dominant fashion.
Cal Poly goes on the road for two tough matchups before Big West conference play begins, first traveling down to Southern California to face San Diego State on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
Their road trip continues as they return to the Central Coast for the first installment of the Blue-Green Rivalry in 2025, facing UC Santa Barbara at Harder Stadium on Sept. 27 at 4 p.m.
“We’re taking one game at a time, playing a good San Diego team,” Mahoney said. “It’s going to be hostile, a great, fun environment, and as always, Santa Barbara is going to be exciting.”
