Cal Poly Men’s Soccer extended their unbeaten streak to three consecutive games after earning a 1-1 draw against Utah Valley on Friday at Clyde Field.
The Mustangs (2-3-2) found themselves on even footing against the Wolverines (4-0-2) in the first half, as both teams held the other to just three shots, with only one shot on goal, through the first 45 minutes of the match.
Cal Poly continued to ride the offensive momentum generated by the two previous matches and created many opportunities to attack, recording 14 shots in total on the night.
The Mustangs were especially dominant in the second half, firing 11 of those 14 shots in the latter 45 minutes of the match.
In addition, the offense was able to force five corner kicks, producing more scoring opportunities.
The game remained scoreless until the 61st minute when sophomore defender Parker Owens was called for unsporting behavior inside the penalty box.
Utah Valley midfielder Omar Yehya stepped forward for the penalty kick and slipped the ball into the net for the match’s opening goal.
The Wolverines’ lead would last all of 2 minutes and 14 seconds as redshirt freshman midfielder Quinn Mahoney continued to further exemplify his offensive prowess by netting his team-leading second goal of the season.
Mahoney scored off of assists by sophomore midfielder Diego Guerra and Owens to tie the game at one goal apiece.
The score would remain the same until the final whistle.
Meanwhile, the Cal Poly defense had found a way to smother the Utah Valley offense, limiting the number of attacking opportunities, keeping the Wolverines to only nine shots total and allowing just three corner kicks throughout the match.
Junior goalkeeper Nicky McCune, the recently crowned Big West Defensive Player of the Week, was forced to make only three saves throughout the match. This is the fifth match of the seven played in which McCune has allowed one goal or less.
Cal Poly will finish the road trip in Utah with a matchup against Utah Tech. The Mustangs will look to extend their undefeated streak on Monday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m.