2025 Big West Men's Soccer Championship First Round - No. 3 seed Cal Poly 2, No. 6 seed UC San Diego 0

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- No. 3 seed Cal Poly defeated No. 6 seed UC San Diego 2-0 in the first round of the 2025 Big West Men's Soccer Championship, Wednesday at Mustang Memorial Field. The Mustangs improve to 9-5-5 overall and will advance to Saturday's semifinal at No. 2 seed UC Irvine. UC San Diego ends its season with a 2-9-7 overall record.

Cal Poly's defense remained impenetrable, with Big West Goalkeeper of the Year Nicky McCune making three saves to secure a shutout. The Tritons' efforts were thwarted by a red card that limited their opportunities. UCSD goalkeeper Nic Thiele denied multiple attempts, including three in the first half and four in the latter stanza. 

The first half between the two sides ended scoreless, but Cal Poly held a 9-4 shot advantage and 11-0 on corner kicks. Sean McTague and Finn Linas combined to account for six Mustang shots in the first half.

The Mustangs scored both goals in the second half. Cal Poly scored the first in the 54th minute as Jack Civitts' initial shot was saved by Thiele but was rebounded and put back into the back of the net by Linas. The match saw a turning point in the 61st minute when UC San Diego received a red card in the 61st minute, reducing the Tritons to ten on the field. The Mustangs capitalized on the advantage, extending their lead to 2-0 with an own goal in the 71st minute and put the game in the refrigerator. 

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