SEASIDE – Three first half goals allowed the Humboldt State men's soccer team defeat Cal State Monterey Bay, 3-2 in California Collegiate Athletic Association action Sunday.

With the win, the Jacks improved to 8-6-4 overall and 3-6-3 in the CCAA while the Otters dropped to 3-11-4 overall and finish the CCAA portion of their schedule 3-8-3.

“It was an extremely challenging game to play in today,” said Humboldt State head men's soccer Andy Cumbo, referencing the 39 fouls and six cards issued. “The guys worked hard to get this win and showed signs of maturity.”

Junior forward Matt Colwell broke the deadlock 19 minutes in when he took a pass from Josh Suggs and curled a shot just inside the far post.

HSU doubled its lead three minutes later when Russell Vernon was on the end a of Tony Ramirez free kick. Ramirez, who has been battling injuries for most of the season, made his first start since the CCAA opener against Chico State Sept. 14.

Seven minutes later the Jacks got on the board again, this time on an own goal after a CSUMB defender headed the ball into his own net.

However, just 43 seconds into the second half the Otters scored when Randy Rigali took a Juan Murillo cross and slid it past HSU goalkeeper Drew Ryan. The Otters struck again in the 53rd minute when Nathan Torricelli was on the end of a Grant Robson free kick.

“The first 45 minutes were great for us. However, we got off to a slow start in the second half and (Cal State Monterey Bay) capitalized.” said Cumbo. “Other than the two goals we gave up, they didn't really generate much.”

The Jacks will return to Redwood Bowl for their final homestand this season next weekend. HSU will take on Chico State Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Humboldt State7-7-4 (3-6-3 CCAA) vs. CSU Monterey Bay3-11-4 (3-8-3 CCAA)
 Date: Oct 26, 2008  Attendance: 209
 Weather:

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Humboldt State......  3  0 -  3
 CSU Monterey Bay....  0  2 -  2

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  18:07 HSU COLWELL, Matt (SUGGS, Josh) - lower far corner
  2.  21:47 HSU VERNON, Russell (RAMIREZ, Tony)
  3.  28:01 HSU OWN GOAL (unassisted)
  4.  45:43 CSUMB RIGALI, Randy (MURILLO, Juan) - cross from right, tap to low mid
  5.  52:44 CSUMB TORRICELLI, Nathan (ROBSON, Grant) - off free kick

 Shots: Humboldt State 12, CSU Monterey Bay 12
 Saves: Humboldt State 5 (RYAN, Drew 5), CSU Monterey Bay 4 (BACA,
 Brenden 3; TEAM 1)