ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt dropped a hard-fought match to Cal State East Bay, 2-1, on Friday afternoon at College Creek Field. Despite a strong first half, the Lumberjacks were unable to overcome the Pioneers in this CCAA opening matchup, moving Humboldt to 1-4-3 overall and 0-1-0 in conference play.

The game saw early action from both sides, with Cal State East Bay's Eugenio Perez-Vera Merino finding the back of the net in the 19th minute on a free kick, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. The Lumberjacks responded quickly when Duke Romanchak scored his third goal of the season in the 28th minute, assisted by James Haynes, bringing the match level at 1-1.

Humboldt dominated the corner kick count, recording seven compared to the Pioneers' one, but struggled to convert on their opportunities. Cal State East Bay capitalized on one of their chances early in the second half, when Andres Garcia-Diaz netted the eventual game-winner in the 60th minute, assisted by Julian Valle.

Late in the game, the Lumberjacks nearly tied the score with a penalty kick in the 88th minute. However, Enrique Tiscareno's attempt was saved by CSUEB goalkeeper Adan Corona, preserving the victory for the Pioneers.

Humboldt goalkeeper Adrian Gallardo made three saves in the match, all in the second half, while Corona tallied three saves for the Pioneers.

The Lumberjacks will look to bounce back in their next game as they continue CCAA play at home this Sunday at 11:30 AM for Youth Soccer Day.

Match Highlights
Scoring:
  - CSUEB: Eugenio Perez-Vera Merino (19:33)
  - HUM: Duke Romanchak, assisted by James Haynes (28:41)
  - CSUEB: Andres Garcia-Diaz, assisted by Julian Valle (60:16)
  
Key Stats:
  - Shots: CSUEB 9 (5 on goal), HUM 8 (4 on goal)
  - Saves: CSUEB 3, HUM 3
  - Corner Kicks: CSUEB 1, HUM 7
  - Fouls: CSUEB 8, HUM 10

Next Up
The Lumberjacks will stay at home to host (RV) Cal State San Marcos (4-0-4, 0-0-1) in a CCAA matchup this Sunday (Oct. 6) at College Creek Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 AM.

Sunday is Youth Soccer Day at College Creek Field and there will be poster giveaways, as well as post game autographs for all youth soccer players in attendance. Be sure to checkout the new hospitality area, as concessions and ice cold beverages will be available for purchase!

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt Men's Soccer, please visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms. 

Free Regular Season Home Games at College Creek Field 
Thanks to a sponsorship from The Danco Group, Cal Poly Humboldt will have free admission to all 2024 regular-season home games for both the men's and women's soccer teams this fall.