Cal Poly men’s soccer rides momentum over Army to win 4th straight match

Cal Poly’s Chris Gaschen puts pressure on the Army keeper on Sunday afternoon. Photo by David Livingston

In a physical match that featured five yellow cards, an ejection, and a stopped penalty, Cal Poly used an 80th minute Mackenzie Pridham goal to defeat Army 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

In a game reminiscent of Cal Poly’s win over Valparaiso a week ago, Pridham struck in the 80th minute, heading in a cross from Mike Hocker.

In the 88th minute, Cal Poly’s Benny Estes picked up his second yellow card — this one on a hand-ball in the penalty box — and was ejected.

Army midfielder Michael Kim took the penalty, but was denied by Freshman goalkeeper Wade Hamilton’s diving save. The save was one of three on the day for Hamilton, who preserved the shutout in Cal Poly’s fourth straight victory.

The Mustangs record is now 4-2. Next weekend is a big one for Cal Poly men’s soccer and football. The men’s soccer team plays host to Harvard on Friday night to kick off the Nike Challenge. After the football team hosts Davis on Saturday, UCLA comes to town for another men’s soccer match on Sunday.

Photos by David Livingston