ARCATA, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt's men's soccer team opened their 2024 season with a 1-1 draw against Westminster (UT) on Friday afternoon at College Creek Field in front of 110 fans. Both teams now stand at 0-0-1 on the season.

Humboldt made an early impact, with Duke Romanchak scoring the first goal in the 23rd minute. Romanchak's goal, his first of the season, was set up by a quick counter-attack, giving the Lumberjacks a 1-0 lead. Westminster (UT) goalkeeper Roark Looney made key saves, including one off a shot by Romanchak in the 27th minute to prevent Humboldt from extending their lead.

Westminster equalized in the 76th minute when Parker Stebbing scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Jack Cardwell. Cardwell's well-timed cross found Stebbing, who slotted the ball past Humboldt goalkeeper Adrian Gallardo, who had been solid throughout the match with several important saves, including two back-to-back saves in the 54th and 55th minutes.

The first half saw plenty of action, including an early shot from Humboldt's Cooper Stephens that went wide right and a saved shot by Westminster's Ben Klump in the 12th minute. Humboldt maintained pressure with shots from Ernie Garza, Nathan Murff, and James Haynes, but Looney held strong in goal for Westminster.

The second half was marked by a flurry of substitutions and fouls. Humboldt's Enrique Tiscareno received a yellow card in the 52nd minute, joining teammates Cooper Stephens and Seth Uson, who were booked earlier in the first half. Westminster's Jack Cardwell and a team representative also saw yellow in a match that became increasingly physical.

Despite a series of fouls and cautions, both teams had opportunities to score. Humboldt's Evan Ochoa's attempt in the 87th minute was saved by Looney, and a last-second shot off a free kick by James Haynes struck the woodwork, denying Humboldt a late winner.

Westminster applied heavy pressure in the second half, with 10 of their 11 shots coming after halftime. However, Humboldt's defense, anchored by Gallardo's five saves, held firm. Westminster edged out Humboldt in corner kicks 7-1, while both teams remained even on total shots, with Humboldt taking 12 to Westminster's 11.

Looking Ahead

Cal Poly Humboldt will aim to bounce back as they prepare for their next match of the Humboldt Kickoff Classic on Sunday against Dominican University. The Lumberjacks are scheduled to kickoff against the Penguins at 2:00 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.

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