ATHERTON, Calif. - Cal Poly Humboldt men's soccer opened the 2026 season Thursday afternoon, falling 4-1 to Fresno Pacific at Wunderlich Field in the Lumberjacks' first non-conference match of the season. Humboldt took an early lead, but Fresno Pacific scored four unanswered goals to claim the victory at Menlo Kickoff Weekend.

The Lumberjacks wasted no time setting the tone, opening the scoring in the 19th minute. Gabriel Tucci found the back of the net off assists from Shota Lam and Erwin Manibusan Jr., giving Humboldt a 1-0 advantage. Tucci's goal came on a cross from the right side that was played to the top of the box before being split to the back post.

Fresno Pacific answered in the 31st minute when Beau Brusseau headed home a corner kick from Alexis Lopez, evening the match at 1-1. The teams remained tied heading into halftime.
The Sunbirds took their first lead in the 62nd minute when Zion Vaughn scored off a rebound from the middle of the box, putting Fresno Pacific ahead 2-1. Vaughn struck again in the 74th minute, beating the goalkeeper one-on-one after receiving a through ball from Cole Keeslar to extend the Sunbirds' advantage to 3-1.

Fresno Pacific added its fourth and final goal in the 87th minute when Noah Naranjo scored following a defensive miscue in the box, assisted by goalkeeper Arturo Alegria, to cap the scoring at 4-1.
Humboldt finished with 12 shots, including one on target, while Fresno Pacific recorded 21 shots and 12 shots on goal. The Sunbirds held a 9-4 edge in shots during the opening half and outshot the Lumberjacks 12-8 after halftime. Humboldt also earned four corner kicks compared to five for the Sunbirds.

Benjamin McDonald started in goal for Humboldt and made five saves in just under 74 minutes. Alvaro Nieves played the final 16 minutes and recorded two saves.

The Lumberjacks will look to bounce back Saturday as they continue Menlo Kickoff Weekend with another non-conference matchup against the Orediggers.

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The Lumberjacks will face Colorado School of Mines Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1:30 p.m. PT at Wunderlich Field in Atherton, Calif.

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.

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