Box Score

LA JOLLA – Good things continue to happen for the Cal Poly Pomona men's soccer team and Sunday was proof positive. 

Senior Kevin Ramirez' goal in the 48th minute paved the way for the Broncos' 1-0 victory over UC San Diego in California Collegiate Athletic Association play. 

“What a great weekend of soccer for us,'' Broncos coach Lance Thompson said. “We go on the road Friday to Hayward, travel up and back in a day, and play against an inspired team that hadn't won in 
league play.'' 

The Broncos then faced a delay out of Oakland International Airport and didn't return to the CPP campus until nearly midnight Friday night. 

Thompson gave his team the day off Saturday and the Broncos went on to record a shut-out win for their third straight game. 

“It was a solid day for us against a team that always plays well at home,'' he said. “Not to take anything away from any of our guys, but I thought our San Diego area kids really stepped it up today. Sean Gurley (Carlsbad) has been a role player for us this season and he elevated his game by playing very steady. Thomas Ryan (El Cajon) did a nice job of organizing in net and keeping guys like Justin Smith (Alpine), Jason Sanchez (San Diego) and Russell Vernon (Murrieta) in control.'' 

CPP earned its ninth victory of the season – its most wins since 1999 – and guaranteed the Broncos a non-losing season for only the second time in nine years. The Broncos are 9-7-1 overall and 7-6-1 CCAA entering Friday and Sunday games against Cal State San Bernardino to close the season. 

Ramirez knocked in a rebound shot from close range on a pass from senior Miguel Abascal early in the second half. The goal was Ramirez' fourth of the year. 

The goal continued a solid trend of 2009. CPP has outscored the opposition 20-4 in the second half and has won eight of its nine games when it scores in the final 45 minutes. 

CPP had a solid scoring opportunity early, but couldn't cash in. Senior MF Rigo Cardenas sent in a cross to the box just 90 seconds into the match. Senior Marc Glogowsky tried to flick it to the left of Tritons' GK Peter Akman, who made a solid save. 

The two squads ended up with six shots apiece in the first half. 

Ryan earned the start and earned the win and the shutout, despite not facing a single SOG the entire game. 

CPP plays at CSUSB on Friday afternoon and concludes the 2009 ledger on Senior Day Sunday at Kellogg Field. Both games are slated for 3 p.m. starts.