Second-Half Surge Propels Concordia over Cal State-East Bay
BEAVERTON, Ore.— After succeeding on just one of 13 shots in the first period, Concordia converted four of nine attempts in the second half to defeat Cal State-East Bay 5-0 in men’s soccer on Tuesday.
With the win, the Cavaliers boosted back to .500 for a 3-3-1 overall record. CSU-East Bay dropped to 1-3-1.
Shortly after a four-shot barrage which ended in a blast off the right post in the first period, Bryan Iotte put the Cavs on the board in the 38th minute with a 20-yard strike.
"We created a number of good chances early but were just a bit unlucky, to be honest,” Concordia head coach Dan Birkey said. “When Iotte picked out the lower corner on the free-kick goal it lifted the confidence of the team.”
Controlling the pace in the second period, Concordia struck three times in a 16-minute span to out the game out of reach. Joey Graham connected with a 12-yard shot in the 60th minute, Justin St. Pierre in the 66th and Turner Bloom in the 76th to push the lead to 4-0.
Grant Bateman rounded out the CU scoring in the 85th minute for the 5-0 advantage. The scores by St. Pierre, Bloom and Bateman were the first recorded for the trio in a Concordia uniform
"When the guys got into the second we stayed organized defensively and were very sharp in the attack,” Birkey said. “Cesar Sanchez worked hard to create pressure up top, and quality finishes closed out a strong second-half performance."
Overall, the Cavaliers outshot the visiting Pioneers 22-3. Garrett Stapled and Scot Perkins split time in the net for CU with Staples picking up the win and Perkins notching the lone save.
Kristopher Hall stopped nine shots in the loss.
"I am pleased with our pre-conference record, especially when you consider the games have included a number of strong programs. They have responded to the challenge and now need to take that growth into conference competition,” Birkey said.
Concordia opens Cascade Collegiate Conference action at home against Cascade on Sept. 16. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. at the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation complex in Beaverton.