Cal Poly Men’s Soccer remained unbeaten to begin the season after earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw on the road against UC Davis, as the Aggies (0-1-1) erased a two-goal deficit in the second half.
The Mustangs (0-0-2) entered the game looking to replicate the success they found in their dramatic season-opening draw in Denver and quickly established themselves at UC Davis. In just the 24th minute, junior forward Roman Anast gave the Mustangs the lead with his first collegiate goal, finishing a pass from Rylan Firouznam past the UC Davis goalkeeper.
Cal Poly continued to build on their first-half dominance when senior midfielder Parker Mascott scored his first career goal just before the halftime whistle. Assisted by Devin Bening, Mascott’s finish put the Mustangs up 2-0 and sent them into the half with confidence and momentum.
The Aggies came out from the break with renewed urgency, cutting into the two-goal deficit less than 7 minutes into the second half. The Aggies continued to step on the gas and finished with a 17-5 advantage in shots; however, Mustang goalkeeper Mathew Guerra made multiple impressive saves to keep Cal Poly in front.
In the final minutes of the match, the Aggies leveled the score on a goal from Nico Collins. While the result was not what the Mustangs had hoped for after building a two-goal advantage, Cal Poly earned another point in a difficult road environment.
The Mustangs return home Thursday, Aug. 27, when they host San Jose State at Mustang Memorial Field, hoping to continue their unbeaten season.