ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt men's soccer battled to a 1-1 draw against Sonoma State on Saturday afternoon in the final non-conference match of the season at Seawolf Soccer Field. With the result, the Lumberjacks move to 1-3-3 overall, while the Seawolves stand at 2-1-4 overall. 

Sonoma State opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Oswaldo Rojas converted a penalty kick following a foul in the box. Rojas' goal, his first of the season, sent the Seawolves into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

The Lumberjacks responded in the second half, finding the equalizer in the 60th minute. Cooper Stephens netted his first goal of the season off a well-executed set piece, with assists from Ernie Garza and Alex Lopez. Stephens' strike leveled the score, and despite a flurry of late opportunities from both sides, the match ended 1-1.

"The team played really well today," stated head coach Fred Jungemann. "It was our best game of the season and maybe the best performance we've ever had at Sonoma's field since I've been at Humboldt."

Sonoma State controlled much of the possession, outshooting the Lumberjacks 18-9, including seven shots on goal compared to Humboldt's four. However, Lumberjacks goalkeeper Adrian Gallardo was crucial, making six saves to keep the match within reach.

Both teams were active on set pieces, with Sonoma State earning four corner kicks to Humboldt's three. The match also saw a total of 21 fouls and nine yellow cards, indicative of the physical and intense nature of the contest. Humboldt's Alex Lopez and Dylan Vega were among those booked, while the Seawolves had five players cautioned.

The result marks the fourth draw of the season for Sonoma State, while Cal Poly Humboldt will look to build on this result as they head into their next match at home. The 'Jacks and Seawolves have tied in their last three contests. 

Scoring
- SSU: 41:25 – Oswaldo Rojas (1) [Penalty Kick Goal]
- HUM: 59:25 – Cooper Stephens (1), Assist: Ernie Garza, Alex Lopez

Team Stats
- Shots: HUM 9 (4 SOG), SSU 18 (7 SOG)
- Saves: HUM 6, SSU 3
- Corner Kicks: HUM 3, SSU 4
- Fouls: HUM 12, SSU 9

Cautions
- SSU: Barry Cahalane (18:08), Oliver Gonzalez (52:40), Caleb Yoon (55:32), Christian Alvarado (70:49), Isaac Bandabaila (79:07), Cameron Fisk (84:23)
- HUM: Evan Ochoa (32:36), Ethan Conaty (43:43), Alex Lopez (71:16), Dylan Vega (72:50)

Looking Ahead
The Lumberjacks will look to carry this momentum into their conference opening match as they prepare to return home next Friday, October 4, against Cal State East Bay (1-4-1). 

Kickoff against the Pioneers is scheduled for 12:30 PM. 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.