Nov. 2, 2016 Box Score
SAN DIEGO, Calif. â€" The USD men's soccer team (5-8-3, 2-3-0) fell to Cal State Fullerton 3-1 Wednesday evening in a non-conference match at Torero Stadium. The Toreros totaled 14 shots to Fullerton's seven, but couldn't overcome an early deficit after the Titans scored in the ninth minute.
The Toreros had the first scoring opportunity. In the sixth minute, Djordje Babic sent a great lead pass to Miguel Berry to set up a one-on-one with the keeper. Berry went for the lower left corner, but the Fullerton goalie made a nice sliding save.
The Titans jumped out to an early lead with a ninth minute goal. Alex Heilmann received a pass and volleyed the ball past the USD defense to Ray Dorwart, who beat a charging Connor Hountalas.
Fullerton's second goal came in the 24th minute after Oscar Flores intercepted a Torero pass and then connected from 20 yards out to give CSF a 2-0 lead.
The Toreros controlled the pace in the second frame, creating multiple scoring opportunities and outshooting Fullerton 9-4 in the second half. In the 69th minute Leon Mueller-Wiesen had a free kick near the corner that found a charging Parker Price, who had just entered the match. Price went for the near post, but the Titan keeper made a diving save.
In the 72nd minute, Michael Turner sent a cross from the end line that made its way through a crowded box to Djordje Babic, but once again the Titan's David Elias was there for the save.
In the 80th minute, Fullerton struck again; this time scoring off a free kick. Ronaldo Pineda sent the kick in from 30 yards out and found Heilmann who snuck inside the near post.
The Toreros finally found the back of the net in the 89th minute after Michael Turner sent a beautiful back flip to Djordje Babic who finished to end Fullerton's quest for a shutout.
In just his second career start, freshman Connor Hountalas (1-2-0) allowed three goals while making one save. His counterpart, David Elias, collected eight saves.
The Toreros resume WCC play on Sunday when they play at San Francisco at 4:00 p.m.
