Big West Soccer – Fansmanship http://www.fansmanship.com For the fans by the fans Fri, 12 Mar 2021 03:58:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.28 For the fans by the fans Big West Soccer – Fansmanship fansmanship.com For the fans by the fans Big West Soccer – Fansmanship http://www.fansmanship.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/Favicon1400x1400-1.jpg http://www.fansmanship.com San Luis Obispo, CA Weekly-ish Podcast Episode 190 – Alyssa Giannetti http://www.fansmanship.com/podcast-episode-190-alyssa-giannetti/ http://www.fansmanship.com/podcast-episode-190-alyssa-giannetti/#respond Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:42:15 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=19310 When former Cal Poly soccer goalie Alyssa Giannetti met me on-campus on Friday afternoon, she had her skateboard under her arm and her last final behind her. After two years playing professional soccer in Finland, Giannetti came back to Cal Poly to finish her degree.  In our conversation, she discussed choosing Cal Poly in part […]]]>

When former Cal Poly soccer goalie Alyssa Giannetti met me on-campus on Friday afternoon, she had her skateboard under her arm and her last final behind her. After two years playing professional soccer in Finland, Giannetti came back to Cal Poly to finish her degree. 

In our conversation, she discussed choosing Cal Poly in part because it was a good surfing school, other reasons she chose Cal Poly, how she became a professional soccer player, and what’s ahead now that her soccer career is over. 

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http://www.fansmanship.com/podcast-episode-190-alyssa-giannetti/feed/ 0 When former Cal Poly soccer goalie Alyssa Giannetti met me on-campus on Friday afternoon, she had her skateboard under her arm and her last final behind her. After two years playing professional soccer in Finland, When former Cal Poly soccer goalie Alyssa Giannetti met me on-campus on Friday afternoon, she had her skateboard under her arm and her last final behind her. After two years playing professional soccer in Finland, Giannetti came back to Cal Poly to finish her degree.  In our conversation, she discussed choosing Cal Poly in part […] Big West Soccer – Fansmanship 48:49
The (extremely difficult) path to the Big West Tournament for Cal Poly Men’s Soccer http://www.fansmanship.com/the-extremely-difficult-path-to-the-big-west-tournament-for-cal-poly-mens-soccer/ http://www.fansmanship.com/the-extremely-difficult-path-to-the-big-west-tournament-for-cal-poly-mens-soccer/#respond Fri, 13 Oct 2017 15:40:50 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=19086 With their fourth straight loss on Wednesday night, Cal Poly men’s soccer continued to sit on three points in conference play. If that wasn’t bad enough, UC Davis beat UCSB, which meant that Sacramento State, UC Davis and UCSB are all sitting at 10 points, seven ahead of Cal Poly with just five matches to […]]]>

With their fourth straight loss on Wednesday night, Cal Poly men’s soccer continued to sit on three points in conference play. If that wasn’t bad enough, UC Davis beat UCSB, which meant that Sacramento State, UC Davis and UCSB are all sitting at 10 points, seven ahead of Cal Poly with just five matches to play. So, what will it take for Cal Poly to make the conference tournament? Let’s examine.

Over the past few years, 14 points has been a virtual lock for the playoffs. But the Big West’s North Division went wild against the South — everyone but Cal Poly — so I would guess that if Cal Poly wants to make it this year, 15 points would be the minimum necessary. 

That means they probably need 12 more points — four victories — over the next 5 games to even have a shot at this thing. 

Two of those games are against UCSB (home and away), two are against UC Davis (home and away), and one is at Sacramento State. 

On Wednesday, Cal Poly continued to push players forward deep into the second half and overtime, even after defender Adam Olsen was shown his second yellow card. The pain of the loss was less in Cal Poly getting zero points. Rather, Sac State’s three points vaulted them to seven ahead of the Mustangs. 

If Cal Poly can get four wins in five matches — I guess I’ve seen crazier things — then they’d probably also have to hope for one of the other teams to go in the tank.

Cal Poly didn’t do themselves any favors in the first four games against the South Division of the Big West, but the South Division didn’t exactly help the Mustangs, taking just five total points against teams that were not Cal Poly in 12 games. 

Cal Poly isn’t mathematically out of it, but if they thought they needed three points on Wednesday night, they know that there aren’t really other options at this stage. On Saturday, they’ll visit Harder Stadium at UCSB and try to fight through fans legally throwing things onto the field to get three points at what is the the toughest environment to play in the Big West. 

Photos by Owen Main.To view more photos, click here. If you just want to contribute to the cause Venmo @Owen-Main or paypal owen@fansmanship.com. 

 

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How to be excited about a goal, and the Mustangs’ streak grows to five straight http://www.fansmanship.com/how-to-be-excited-about-a-goal-and-the-mustangs-streak-grows-to-five-straight/ http://www.fansmanship.com/how-to-be-excited-about-a-goal-and-the-mustangs-streak-grows-to-five-straight/#respond Fri, 29 Sep 2017 17:58:55 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=19044 Kaba Alkebulan scored his second goal in as many games on Thursday night at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, as Cal Poly found two late goals to get past UC Riverside 3-1 in their conference opener.  Kaba’s goal was a nice one. He chested down a long pass, didn’t take any additional touches with his feet, […]]]>

Kaba Alkebulan scored his second goal in as many games on Thursday night at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, as Cal Poly found two late goals to get past UC Riverside 3-1 in their conference opener. 

Kaba’s goal was a nice one. He chested down a long pass, didn’t take any additional touches with his feet, and rolled home a ball into the far corner of the goal to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. 

Then he did this.

Then this.

Then this. 

Then this.

Finally, this. 

Alkebulan’s career at Cal Poly has spanned three coaches. He’s one of the final three players left on the roster recruited by Paul Holocher (Along with Nick Carroll and Adam Olsen).

Days into his second year on-campus, Holocher resigned. An interim coach (Phil Ruskin) picked up the slack, followed by Steve Sampson, who is in his third year at the helm.

Kaba’s size, speed, and strength have always been tantalizing to watch, but a clumsy first touch and sometimes overboard emotional energy seem to have gone the way of his dreadlocks for this, his senior season. I would liken him to former Cal Poly basketball player Joel Awich — a player who has always had some NICE physical tools who has progressed into a guy who can go against anyone through years of hard work. 

Mustangs start with three points

After Kaba’s goal, the Mustangs gave up a silly goal off an errant pass by defender Nick Carroll. With under ten minutes to play in regulation, it looked like the game might be stalling into overtime. In the 81st minute, Adam Olsen found Kaba in the box. After a calm touch or two, Kaba slipped and, with a loose ball in the six-yard box, junior midfielder Jose Rivera (Irvine Valley College) was there to clean up the mess, scoring his second goal as a Mustang. 

Less than seven minutes later, senior Tyler Savitsky (Harvard) capitalized on the Highlanders’ scrambling for an equalizer, slotting a pass from Diego Alonso into the net to pad the lead. 

Cal Poly plays at home against Cal State Fullerton on Saturday evening in Alex J. Spanos Stadium. 

Photos by Owen Main. To view more photos, click hereIf you just want to contribute to the cause Venmo @Owen-Main or paypal owen@fansmanship.com. 

 

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Cal Poly Sports are in FULL EFFECT this weekend http://www.fansmanship.com/cal-poly-sports-are-in-full-effect-this-weekend/ http://www.fansmanship.com/cal-poly-sports-are-in-full-effect-this-weekend/#respond Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:21:41 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=19027 Folks around Cal Poly athletics are going to be real busy this weekend. From Thursday to Sunday, there are six home games, including one that’s being played in Paso Robles to go along with the Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday night. The fun starts on Thursday night, when women’s soccer hosts Denver at Alex G. […]]]>

Folks around Cal Poly athletics are going to be real busy this weekend. From Thursday to Sunday, there are six home games, including one that’s being played in Paso Robles to go along with the Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday night.

Redshirt freshman forward Georgina Stiegeler has been dangerous as an attacker for Cal Poly this season. By Owen Main

The fun starts on Thursday night, when women’s soccer hosts Denver at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, starting at 7:00pm. Alex Crozier’s team is coming off an overtime win on Sunday afternoon and looks to build momentum going into Big West Conference play next week. 

***

On Friday, the volleyball team — a squad with REALLY high expectations this season, makes their 2017 Mott Athletics Center debut against conference foe Cal State Fullerton. The game starts at 6:30. The Cal Poly Hall of Fame dinner will take place on Friday night as well next door at the multipurpose room at the Cal Poly Recreation Center. Inductees will include major league pitcher Kevin Correia, Dr. Ken Walker, football running back Craig Young, and probably the best women’s basketball player in Cal Poly history, Kristina Santiago, among others. 

***

Cal Poly keeper Simon Boehme is the reigning Big West Defensive Player of the Week. By Owen Main

If you didn’t get your fill on Friday, Saturday is even busier. It starts with a rare 11:00am start for the men’s soccer team. They’ll play a “home” game against CSU Bakersfield at Paso Robles Horse Park. With a football game on the same day, the soccer team’s choice to play a game off campus and try to engage the north county community makes sense. It also makes the drive for the Roadrunners a really short one. 

With just four goals in six games played, the Mustangs’ 2-4 record doesn’t seem as bad as it could be. Cal Poly’s offense will look to get going CSUB is also 2-4 coming into the match, but has given up 13 goals in their six games.

***

Once the soccer game is over, Sam Crosson’s volleyball team will play their second game in as many days against UC Riverside. Have I mentioned this volleyball team is good? They’ve won six straight, sweeping five of those matches. The only two sets they’ve lost over that span was in a 3-2 win over 23rd ranked Wichita State. They are legitimate contenders in the Big West this year. If you’re a student or will be on campus anyway for football, you should go early and check it out. You will not be disappointed. Saturday’s volleyball game starts at 4:30. 

***

I’ll be toast by then and my camera battery may need a recharge, but there’s no rest for the weary. With their playoff hopes maybe already on the line, Cal Poly football will kick off their Big Sky Conference season against a top opponent in Northern Arizona. The Lumberjacks might be the toughest opponent Cal Poly has left on their schedule and a win would go a long way toward building confidence for the 0-3 Mustangs.

Khaleel Jenkins and the Cal Poly offense will try to get off to a good start in Big Sky Conference play on Saturday evening. By Owen Main

This game is important for SO many reasons, but one is that it is the first opportunity for freshmen to see a football game on-campus. They’ve been here for over two weeks now, and this is a big chance to make a first impression. Despite an 0-3 start, Cal Poly has an opportunity to go 1-0 in the Big Sky, engage their fanbase on campus, and get on a track toward a playoff berth. Northern Arizona is really good and I expect this game to be close and well-played.

I also expect it to be well-coached. Cal Poly is coming off a bye and whatever kinks offensive coordinator Jim Craft has had over the first three weeks, he’ll need to call a complete game and his offense will have to execute a complete 60 minutes for Cal Poly to win. Kickoff is at 6:05 and the Hall of Fame inductees from Friday night will be recognized at halftime. 

***

Saturday night, we’ll all get home around 10:30 or 11:00. And on Sunday, probably with a munchkin in-tow again (what, am I gonna abandon my wife and BOTH kids for four straight days?), I’m likely to be at the women’s soccer game. Expect the pitch to be a little bumpier as the Spanos field absorbs its third game in four days. This is not an unusual occurrence there in the Fall, but it does start to show some wear and tear by Sunday afternoon on weekends like this.

By the end of the weekend, I’m thinking I’ll have put some mileage on my camera, legs, and even my car. I’m estimating maybe 5,000 photos on my camera, 70 miles on my car, and probably a more pronounced farmer’s tan. If I had a fitbit, I’d tell you how many steps. I’m sure it’ll be in the millions. At least it’ll feel like it. 

It’s going to be a fun weekend. 

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Nick Carroll’s unlikely journey http://www.fansmanship.com/nick-carrolls-unlikely-journey/ http://www.fansmanship.com/nick-carrolls-unlikely-journey/#respond Wed, 13 Sep 2017 02:30:04 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=19008 On Sunday evening, Nick Carroll scored the first goal of his Cal Poly career. It was an 81st minute goal that gave the Cal Poly men’s soccer program a huge boost, their first win of the season, and a home victory in front of over 5,000 WOW Week participants — incoming freshmen that the team […]]]>

Nick Carroll got a lot of playing time as a freshman. By Owen Main

On Sunday evening, Nick Carroll scored the first goal of his Cal Poly career. It was an 81st minute goal that gave the Cal Poly men’s soccer program a huge boost, their first win of the season, and a home victory in front of over 5,000 WOW Week participants — incoming freshmen that the team hopes will be the future of Cal Poly soccer fans. 

Carroll was a defender without any goals to his name, so the goal was not a likely one anyway. If you know his story, you know how unlikely it really was. 

Changes at the top

The start to Carroll’s career — the fall of 2014 — was a tumultuous one for Cal Poly men’s soccer. Incumbent coach Paul Holocher left the program days into the start of Fall camp. Carroll, an incoming freshman, found some success under interim coach Phil Ruskin. He started 11 games that season, mostly at left back. For a team that liked to play with attacking wing backs, Carroll’s long runs down the sideline became a staple opposite right back and current professional Kip Colvey. The team’s lack of depth at defender and numerous injuries at the position pressed at least one other freshman into action along the way. The team did what it had to do to stay afloat. A star midfielder played central defender. Just about anyone who wasn’t injured played big minutes.

It wasn’t ideal, but Carroll was getting playing time.

The Mustangs got off to a decent start under Ruskin, but lost four of their final five games in conference and picked up just four points in division play. In December of 2014, Athletic Director Don Oberhelman hired former US Men’s National Team coach Steve Sampson to lead the Cal Poly program. 

Steve Sampson was hired to coach Cal Poly in December of 2014. By Owen Main

Carroll had acquitted himself adequately on the field in 2014, but as the season progressed, things got harder. School work wasn’t a priority.

Neither Carroll or Sampson got into specifics, but both recognized off-field and on-field issues. 

“I made a lot of mistakes,” said Carroll, a Business major with a focus in entrepreneurship. “I put myself in situations I shouldn’t have been in.”

“I let the fact that I was getting playing time [as a freshman] get to my head,” said Carroll. 

As Cal Poly seemed to be weathering the storm, the double whammy of soccer and school was hitting Carroll hard.

“He had some academic issues,” said Sampson. “Like most freshmen, they tend to test the waters on and
off the field. That leads to a lot of life lessons.”

The spring after he was hired, Sampson had seen enough. Carroll had made too many bad decisions, so Sampson made the decision to cut the left back. 

 No soccer

“I told myself that was it for me,” said Carroll, who was no longer a part of the program. He sulked. “My feeling was ‘I hate soccer right now.'”

During what should have been his sophomore season playing the sport he loved, Carroll didn’t play during Fall quarter. But over winter break in 2015, he had an epiphany. At home for the holiday, Carroll sat in his room and couldn’t get the game out of his mind. He confessed to his father how much he missed soccer. They had a long talk. 

Just 19 years old at the time, Carroll realized he really wasn’t ready to give up completely on his soccer dreams. He found out that it wouldn’t be an easy road back.

He contacted Sampson and they talked. He met with Sampson and Athletic Faculty Representative, Dr. Ken Walker. Walker, a former athletic director at Cal Poly, is slated for induction into the Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame this Fall.

Walker and Sampson gave Carroll some guidelines. They included a 3.0 GPA for the winter quarter. At the end of the quarter, after regular meetings with Walker and Sampson, Carroll earned a 3.4 GPA — his best yet at Cal Poly.

“Nothing slides with Steve,” said Carroll of Sampson. “He doesn’t care about us as soccer players only, he cares about us as human beings. He wants to know everything that’s going on.”

Carroll also met with some of the leaders on the team. It was a long process, but after his successful winter quarter, Carroll had his chance. He would be allowed to rejoin the team for spring ball.

Gaining confidence

It took a bit of time to shake off the rust. Having spring practice was helpful. Still, Carroll didn’t have his old, familiar starting spot back by the time the fall of 2016 rolled around. After not starting or playing much early in the season, Carroll played in a home game against UCLA, where he notched an assist in a 1-0 Cal Poly win — easily their biggest win of 2016. 

“I felt like, ‘I’m back,'” said Carroll of the UCLA game. He would go-on to play in all 17 games in 2016. 

Upper-class leader

Nick Carroll has developed into a reliable left back on Cal Poly’s men’s soccer team. By Owen Main

Nick Carroll is listed as a junior in terms of eligibility, but it’s his fourth year on-campus. He’s been through three coaches and his stint off the team. He’s a student who presents himself as someone who is thankful for the second chance he was given. 

Carroll pointed to a culture turnaround in the soccer program as an important contributing factor to his personal changes as well. 

“There’s been a 180 degree turnaround with culture,” he said of the soccer program. “When I came in, there was a different set of standards and rules.”

He knows Sampson has coached at the highest levels.

“[Sampson] knows what special teams have to sacrifice,” said Carroll. “Everybody now holds everyone accountable to an incredibly high level.”

Sampson reciprocated the respect.

“He’s matured incredibly,” said Sampson. “I know how hard he’s worked to turn his life around on and off the soccer field.” 

“Our soccer program is trying to be exceptional both on and off the field. [Nick] accepted it, took on the challenge, and is reaping the rewards.”

No time like now

On Sunday, Carroll took a perfectly-placed pass from teammate Jose Rivera and blasted it with his dominant left foot through the arms of the keeper and into the back of the net for a late, game-winning goal. It was Carroll’s first as a Mustang

He ran toward the big crowd of WoWies, who cheered for him. He celebrated with his teammates. Few in the stadium know the road he took to get to that moment.

“He’s proud of what I’ve done,” said Carroll of Sampson. “And I am too.”

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Mustang Men’s Soccer wins opening exhibition 4-0 http://www.fansmanship.com/mustang-mens-soccer-wins-opening-exhibition-4-0/ http://www.fansmanship.com/mustang-mens-soccer-wins-opening-exhibition-4-0/#respond Fri, 18 Aug 2017 04:04:24 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=18949 At the Paso Robles Horse Park, the Cal Poly men’s soccer team defeated Fresno Pacific 4-0 Wednesday evening in their final tune-up before kicking off the season next Friday in Indiana.  Three Stars Sophomore midfielder Christian Enriquez started the scoring within the first few minutes. He collected a bouncing ball just outside the box and calmly slotted […]]]>

At the Paso Robles Horse Park, the Cal Poly men’s soccer team defeated Fresno Pacific 4-0 Wednesday evening in their final tune-up before kicking off the season next Friday in Indiana. 

Three Stars

Christian Enriquez is a sophomore, but he’ll be Cal Poly soccer’s field general from the midfield this season. By Owen Main

Sophomore midfielder Christian Enriquez started the scoring within the first few minutes. He collected a bouncing ball just outside the box and calmly slotted it past the Sunbird keeper, who was caught in no man’s land about five yards away.

Enriquez helped Cal Poly double their lead a few minutes later, playing a no-look through ball to junior college transfer forward Sean Goode. Goode did what he’s done every time I’ve seen him — that is score on his chances. 

Senior Kaba Alkebulan subbed into the game late in the first half and made an immediate impact with his speed. Kaba took a ball over the top down the left side, turned in and right footed it into the goal. Just after halftime, Alkebulan doubled up, scoring a pretty similar goal. 

Enriquez and Kaba are a clear one and two. Eddie Melgoza was my number three. Melgoza started in central midfield and led the back line to a clean sheet. Other defenders did rotate in and out, but Melgoza seems to be settling into a central defender role after playing on the left side most of his freshman year. 

Hoosier-bound

Cal Poly starts their season against two top-10 teams at a tournament in South Bend, Indiana at Notre Dame. First, they’ll face #7 Indiana on Friday August 25th, followed by a match the following Sunday vs. the hosts — #10 Notre Dame. Their opening road trip also features games at the Big East’s Georgetown and #6 Maryland. 

Decent results in those four road games should give the Mustangs the benefit of the doubt for an NCAA bid if they’re on the bubble. Playing good teams early is also a great way to prepare for Big West play.

Mustangs tabbed third in the Big West North

Cal Poly was tabbed today to finish third in the Big West North in the conference’s preseason poll released today. Since there are only four teams in the conference’s North Division, being picked third isn’t great. 

If you look at last season’s performance, thinking of Cal Poly as a third place team in the division might be reasonable. The Mustangs have nearly 20 new players on their roster as they try to bounce back from (5-9-3) overall record (3-5-2 in Big West play).

Predictably, UCSB was pegged as the favorite in the North. UC Davis was picked second, followed by Cal Poly and Sacramento State. Cal State Northridge was picked first in the South followed by Cal State Fullerton, UC Riverside, and UC Irvine. 

Photos by Owen Main. To view the entire gallery, click here.

 

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Why is Cal Poly Men’s Soccer playing at a horse farm? http://www.fansmanship.com/why-is-cal-poly-mens-soccer-playing-at-a-horse-farm/ http://www.fansmanship.com/why-is-cal-poly-mens-soccer-playing-at-a-horse-farm/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2017 03:14:37 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=18937 Cal Poly men’s soccer starts their season tomorrow with an exhibition against Fresno Pacific. That’s no big deal — they’ve played the Sunbirds to open the season before. What is different is that the game will be played in Paso Robles. At a Horse Park.  The Paso Robles Horse Park, according to its website, opened […]]]>

Cal Poly men’s soccer starts their season tomorrow with an exhibition against Fresno Pacific. That’s no big deal — they’ve played the Sunbirds to open the season before. What is different is that the game will be played in Paso Robles.

At a Horse Park. 

The Paso Robles Horse Park, according to its website, opened in 2015 as a venue for equestrian competitions. Its main field — presumably where the match will be played — is specially engineered for horses. It has synthetic material woven into the grass to provide a more firm base for horses to jump and land on. From the website:

“The Fairway Field measures 300 feet by 500 feet and it is not your ordinary grass field. A sophisticated drainage system sits under eight inches of a specially prepared base comprised of sand and screened native soil designed by a soils engineer. Within this, polypropylene fibers were cultivated into the top four inches of the base. These fibers open up and bind with the soil along with the roots of the grass to form a more resilient footing for the various jumping and athletic events.”

So, on the one hand, Cal Poly should be able to play on a much wider surface than they’re accustomed to at home (Did you know soccer fields are all different sizes? It’s true. The width of a field can literally DOUBLE, depending on where you play). This wider field should help as Cal Poly goes back east to play on fields much wider than the Spanos surface. 

Kaba Alkebulan and the Cal Poly men’s soccer team kick off their season on Wednesday night in Paso Robles. By Owen Main

Also, the field could be a little different than what they’re used to. We know the tougher turf is better for horses, but will it effect the playability of the surface itself? 

Later in the season (September 23rd), the Mustangs will play again at the Paso Robles Horse Park on a football home game day. That game, against Cal State Bakersfield, will not be an exhibition. I’ll need to check when the last time the Mustangs played a home soccer match that counted and that wasn’t at Alex G. Spanos Stadium. 

I’ll be at the game on Wednesday night in Paso Robles. It’s the last opportunity to see Steve Sampson’s team “at home” until September 10th, when they host Saint Mary’s. It’s hard to believe, but this is Sampson’s third season at the helm of the Cal Poly program. 

Game time: 5:00pm

Location: Paso Robles Horse Park 

 

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Mustang Men’s Soccer Puts Playoff Pressure on Aggies http://www.fansmanship.com/mustang-mens-soccer-puts-playoff-pressure-on-aggies/ http://www.fansmanship.com/mustang-mens-soccer-puts-playoff-pressure-on-aggies/#respond Sun, 30 Oct 2016 16:33:05 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=18519 Cal Poly men’s soccer is finally peaking. The question is whether it will be too late. After beating Sacramento State 2-1 on Saturday evening at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, the Mustangs’ fate depends on the UCSB – UC Davis game, to be played on Sunday afternoon. With a Gaucho win or tie, the Mustangs advance. […]]]>

Cal Poly men’s soccer is finally peaking. The question is whether it will be too late. After beating Sacramento State 2-1 on Saturday evening at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, the Mustangs’ fate depends on the UCSB – UC Davis game, to be played on Sunday afternoon.

You can't ever blame Kody Wakasa for not being in the middle of things... Photo by Owen Main

You can’t ever blame Kody Wakasa for not being in the middle of things… Photo by Owen Main

With a Gaucho win or tie, the Mustangs advance. If Davis wins, Cal Poly finishes in fourth place in the Big West North Divivision, meaning their season is over.

How did Cal Poly win?

A third minute header by Bjorn Sandberg gave the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. It didn’t last long. Just over a minute later, Sacramento State’s Bert Corona gave the Hornets an equalizer.

The match remained knotted at one apiece until the 71st minute, when freshman striker Sebastian Herran kicked a left-footed shot that took a slight deflection and beat Sac State keeper James Del Curto. It was Herran’s first career goal for Cal Poly and gave the Mustangs the three points they so desperately needed.

You can watch the two Cal Poly goals here.

Good deal, so what happens next? Are the Mustangs in the playoffs?

Well, in a weird scheduling snafu, it seems that the final games of the season were not scheduled simultaneously. UCSB doesn’t like hosting night games during Halloween weekend. They’ve had issues during this weekend in the past.

So, why didn’t the Big West schedule simultaneous North Division games Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon? I didn’t get a super straight answer on that one, but Steve Sampson did address it in his postgame comments.

Also, UC Davis now knows for sure that they have to win in order to make the conference playoffs — an advantage for them to be certain going into their game with the Gauchos.

Did anything else fun happen?

Well, the game did get a little chippy. Late in the first half, following a common foul against Cal Poly, Sac State’s Jessie Gonzalez two-hand shoved Kody Wakasa from behind, sending him to the ground. Wakasa never saw the cheap shot coming. From where I was taking photos — about midfield — the incident seemed like an automatic red card. Gonzalez, who seemed like he knew a red was coming, ran away and was walking toward the bench before referee Alex Del Angel decided to only issue a yellow card.

You can review the incident for yourself here:

In the Sampson video above, he addressed this play as well. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the conference reviewed the play and suspended the player for the first round of the conference tournament. Based on what I saw from where I was standing, it would be an appropriate punishment.

So, what’s next?

Well, the Mustangs have to sit and wait. Anything could happen in a 2:00 game during Halloween weekend in Isla Vista in the rain. If UC Davis doesn’t win, the Mustangs will head to Fullerton for the Big West Tournament first round next weekend. If the Aggies win, the Mustangs’ season is over.

I outlined a road to the tournament a few weeks ago and targeted 13 points as the number they needed. Cal Poly ended up with 11, and that COULD be enough. You can watch the UCSB-UC Davis game here.

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Hopes for the Blue-Green rivalry game tonight http://www.fansmanship.com/hopes-for-the-blue-green-rivalry-game-tonight/ http://www.fansmanship.com/hopes-for-the-blue-green-rivalry-game-tonight/#respond Sat, 15 Oct 2016 15:23:42 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=18506 This is going to be a simple post about what I’d like to see happen tonight: What I want to see Rain, and cool photos as a result. I don’t like rain for my gear, but I’m going to be prepared and hopefully will be able to get some awesome photos of a packed Spanos Stadium […]]]>

This is going to be a simple post about what I’d like to see happen tonight:

What I want to see

  • Rain, and cool photos as a result. I don’t like rain for my gear, but I’m going to be prepared and hopefully will be able to get some awesome photos of a packed Spanos Stadium with the rain.
  • Tough, gritty play. The quality of play usually raises significantly in the Blue-Green games. How will the weather will impact the game? I wonder who benefits from a little sloppiness.
  • A rowdy, soaked stadium full of 11,075 sopping Cal Poly students and fans. I wonder how many will stay for the full 90. What if it goes into overtime? Cal Poly students showed they couldn’t brave the heat when they left at halftime of the Montana football game in 95-plus degree weather. Can they handle the wet weather?

What I don’t want to see

  • Injuries on either team related to the wet weather. This is always my biggest worry in a game like this. Here’s hoping neither of these teams are hugely affected by any pulled groins or hamstrings or other injuries related to the wet weather and possibly sloppy surface.
  • Anything being thrown on the field. Seriously people. We are not animals. Don’t throw anything on the field. No tortillas. No water bottles. Nothing. End of story. If you do, you’re an idiot. Here’s something I wrote at the end of last year’s game and it still stands.

A close game. These games are usually close, no matter how the Mustangs are doing.

Tonight should be fun.

In case you want to get amped before the game:

Photos from last year.

Video of the Kody Wakasa game-winner:

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What will it take for Cal Poly men’s soccer to make the Big West playoffs? http://www.fansmanship.com/what-will-it-take-for-cal-poly-mens-soccer-to-make-the-big-west-playoffs/ http://www.fansmanship.com/what-will-it-take-for-cal-poly-mens-soccer-to-make-the-big-west-playoffs/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2016 18:31:37 +0000 http://www.fansmanship.com/?p=18497 They can’t be worried about playoffs. Right now, Steve Sampson and company are trying to figure out how to win a Big West game. After netting zero point in their first road weekend in conference and getting just one point from two home games last weekend, the Mustangs have now only a tie and a single […]]]>

They can’t be worried about playoffs. Right now, Steve Sampson and company are trying to figure out how to win a Big West game. After netting zero point in their first road weekend in conference and getting just one point from two home games last weekend, the Mustangs have now only a tie and a single point to show for their first two weeks in conference play. This makes their path to a conference playoff birth a really tough one. Their record now stands at 2-7-2 overall and 0-3-1 in Big West Conference play.

Freshman Kenneth Higgins plays with what seems like unlimited energy, but the team hasn't won in 2 weeks since beating UCLA. By Owen Main

Freshman Kenneth Higgins plays with what seems like unlimited energy, but the team hasn’t won in 2 weeks since beating UCLA. By Owen Main

The Good News

There is SOME good news. Maybe. If you turn the standings and schedule to hit the light just so. Wins will still play. With six games to go — home and away series with each of UCSB, Sacramento State, and UC Davis — Cal Poly can make up ground fast with wins. Home games against both UC Davis and UCSB this weekend would be a great place to start.

The Bad News

This Mustangs are sitting on one point, which is five points behind both Sac State and UC Davis — the teams tied for 2nd place in the North currently. To pass either of then would take, probably, some serious help.

What will it take?

Road points are tough in the Big West, so their play this weekend could either give Cal Poly a fighting chance or seal their fate. Thursday night vs. UC Davis is the first of these tough tasks. Win that game, and the UCSB game will loom as a really big opportunity to gain ground.

Last season, 11 points was not enough for Sacramento State to make the playoffs out of the Big West’s North Division, but this year’s a little different. If Sac State and UC Davis each win two of their remaining six games to get to 12 let’s put the target at 13 to make the playoffs. Less than that COULD garner a spot, but 13 will for sure do so.

The answer is that Cal Poly needs wins. Lots of them. With six games left, they’d get 18 points with six straight wins. That’s not likely, but 11 or 12 points will not come easily. The math says that four wins or three wins and 2-3 ties would get them where they need to be.

All this is pretty unlikely, but stranger things have happened — especially in soccer. A little change in mindset or a little change in luck can make a lasting difference. It’s not an easy task. Then again, nothing worthwhile ever was.

Click here for Photos from Cal Poly Men’s Soccer this year.

Click here for Photos from Cal Poly vs. CSUN.

Click here for Photos from Cal Poly vs. UCI.

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