MONMOUTH, Ore. – Cal Poly Humboldt men's soccer started fast and never looked back, earning a 2-0 road victory over Saint Martin's on Thursday afternoon at WOU Soccer Field. The Jacks' scored twice in the opening half and leaned on a stingy defensive effort to record their second shutout win of the season.
The Lumberjacks (2-2-1) struck early in the 14th minute when sophomore midfielder Erwin Manibusan Jr. headed the ball into the low left corner to give Humboldt an early 1-0 lead. The offense did not stop there and kept the pressure on the Saints as in the 31st minute, sophomore forward Nathan Murff doubled the advantage with a low shot to the right side of the net, sending the Lumberjacks into halftime up 2-0. Manibusan Jr. and Murff led the team in shots on goal in the match with two a piece.
Saint Martin's (0-5) pushed to get back into the match after the break, generating 10 second-half shots, but Humboldt's back line and goalkeeper Edwin Monterrosa held firm for the full 90 minutes. Monterrosa finished with five saves to secure the clean sheet, turning away several late attempts as the defense frustrated the Saints' attack.
Both teams finished with 11 total shots while Saint Martin's found more opportunities through corners, but Humboldt's efficiency in the first half proved decisive. The Lumberjacks were the more physical side, committing 15 fouls while absorbing just six throughout the course of the game.
The win capped a strong all-around performance for Humboldt, with Manibusan Jr. and Murff leading the offense and a disciplined defensive unit controlling the match.
SCORING SUMMARY
HUMBOLDT INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Manibusan Jr. - 1 goal, 2 shots, 2 shots on goal
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Murff - 1 goal, 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
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Monterrosa - 5 saves
FINAL TEAM STATS
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Shots: Humboldt - 11, Saint Martin's - 11
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Shots on Goal: Humboldt - 4, Saint Martin's - 6
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Corners: Humboldt - 4, Saint Martin's - 6
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Fouls: Humboldt - 15, Saint Martin's - 6
UP NEXT
Cal Poly Humboldt has a few days to spend in Monmouth, Ore. before returning to California. On Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. PT, they will face Western Oregon at WOU Soccer Field looking to stay undefeated on the weekend.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt men's soccer, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.
Instagram: @humboldt.athletics
Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks
Facebook: Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks
