University of Washington
Cal Poly
Huskies Defeat Cal Poly 3-1 In Men's Soccer Season Opener
September 02, 2005 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 2, 2005
PORTLAND, ORE. - Sophomores Adam West and Spencer Schmidt scored their first career goals within a three-minute time span, breaking a 1-1 tie and leading Washington men's soccer to a 3-1 victory over Cal Poly in both teams' season opener at the Nike Portland Invitational, Friday afternoon.
The Huskies (1-0) trailed 1-0 after just 90 seconds into the match but scored three unanswered goals to hand the Mustangs (0-1) the loss.
"I'm very pleased by the overall result," UW head coach Dean Wurzberger said. "It was an unexpected start but we never worried. We showed a great deal of maturity by not panicking. With all the draws you see, it's hard to get that first win under your belt."
The 2005 season was barely underway when Cal Poly's Nikhil Erlebach gave the Mustangs a fast start with a shot from 18 yards out that got past UW senior goalkeeper Chris Eylander.
Washington dominated the rest of the first half, firing off 15 shots to the Mustangs' four. Late in the opening frame, sophomore forward Ely Allen was fouled in the box, setting up a penalty kick situation for senior midfielder Mike Chabala. Chabala came through with the score to tie the match at 1-1 in the 41st minute. It was the fourth career goal for Chabala, all scored on penalty kicks.
Back on even ground after the intermission, this time it was the Huskies who took advantage of a quick start. Ten minutes into the second half, senior midfielder Evan Cummings laid a pass out wide to West who fired a 20-yard bullet to the lower right corner of the net. The defender's first career goal gave Washington the lead at the 55:40 minute mark.
Just over two and a one-half minutes later, UW got an insurance goal from forward Schmidt off a throw-in play. Chabala's throw was headed by Allen who flicked the ball to Schmidt for the 10-yard shot.
Eylander finished with seven saves in his season debut, while Cal Poly goalkeeper Jeremy Coupe grabbed four.
Four players made their Husky debuts Friday, including redshirt freshman Eric Blythe, redshirt sophomore Bobbak Talebi, freshman Jo Jo Katz and freshman George John. Talebi made his Washington debut but was no stranger to Merlo Field. He played two seasons (one redshirt) for Portland before transferring to UW.
Up next, Washington will wrap play at the Nike Invitational facing No. 12/14 Creighton, Sunday, Sept. 4, at noon.
Nike Portland Invitational
Merlo Field; Portland, Ore.
Washington 3, Cal Poly 1
Scoring - 1, CP, Nikhil Erlebach (unassisted), 1:28. 2, UW, Mike Chabala (penalty kick), 40:17. 3, UW, Adam West (Evan Cummings), 55:40. 4, UW, Spencer Schmidt (Ely Allen, Mike Chabala), 58:16.
Shots - UW 20, CP 11
Corners - UW 10, CP 1
Saves - UW 7 (Chris Eylander), CP 4 (Jeremy Coupe)
Fouls - UW 12, CP 18
Offsides - UW 2, CP 2
Attendance - na
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