Despite the Mustangs’ offensive onslaught, Cal Poly failed to score against Oral Roberts, resulting in a 1-0 loss on Thursday.
The Mustangs (0-2-1) remain scoreless through their opening three games, but offensive pressure has not been an issue for Cal Poly, who have consistently found themselves a foothold in the opposition’s half.
Following their form from their previous match against Saint Mary’s, the Mustangs had many attacking chances, outshooting the Golden Eagles (1-1-1) 22-to-14. They pressured Golden Eagles goalkeeper Joao Mesquita into 11 saves.
The Mustangs also forced ten corner kicks in the match to Oral Roberts’ three, but Cal Poly has been unable to capitalize on these cross attempts this season.
Cal Poly brought the pressure early in the match, with four shots in under three minutes, each of which was thwarted by Mesquita.
Freshman midfielder Quinn Mahoney would finish the game with a career-high seven shots, continuing his offensive showings from the season’s first few games.
The Golden Eagles scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute.
Junior Nicky McCune was drawn out by a lofted through ball for forward Jorge Estrada, and his challenge led to a foul inside the penalty box and a yellow card.
Omar Mora converted the penalty kick for his third goal of the season, burying the ball into the left side of the net to give the Golden Eagles the lead that would last until the final whistle.
Cal Poly had an otherwise strong defensive showing, stopping a strong Oral Roberts attack that has been successful against No. 10 SMU and No. 22 Kentucky in their last two games.
In addition to bolstering the Mustangs’ defense, junior defender Nico Baltazar came forward with three shots, all of which forced saves out of Mesquita.
Sophomore defender Joaquin Torres also made two attempts of his own but missed the target.
“We know if we stick to the process of getting a little better each day and compete like we did tonight, we’ll have lots to show for it at the end of the season,” head coach Oige Kennedy told GoPoly.com.
The Mustangs will finish their opening road trip against Tulsa (0-2) on Sunday, September 1 at 5 p.m.
