SEATTLE – In an impressive start to the NCAA Division II Tournament, the Cal Poly Pomona men's soccer team secured a 2-0 win over Sonoma State on Thursday at the Interbay Stadium in Seattle.
Junior forward
Sergi Monso converted an early penalty kick opportunity and added a second-half score, helping the Broncos capture the shutout victory against the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) rival. The Seawolves' season ends at 10-5-5.
Meanwhile, fifth-seeded CPP advances into the second round to play top-seeded Simon Fraser on Saturday at 1 p.m. Ranked third nationally, SFU is 14-1-2 this year and earned the first-round bye.
"Today was a good win against a quality team that is well-trained," head coach
Yossi Raz said. "The players were on point with their attention to detail and commitment to each other. We have very little time to celebrate as we have a great task ahead of us. We are looking forward to the challenge."
At the 15:46 mark of the first half on Thursday, Broncos' forward
Luis Najera Jr. was brought down by Sonoma goalkeeper Mitch North on a play in the box. That set up the PK for Monso, who knocked it into the back of the net.
The Broncos took that 1-0 lead into halftime and the defense continued to turn away plenty of Seawolves' chances in the second half. CPP extended its margin to 2-0 when Monso scored again in the 78th minute.
Jordan Jackmon provided the assist on a cross and then Monso sent a header across the line. It marked the fourth assist of 2016 for Jackmon, who is now tied for the team lead in that category with Monso,
Kevin Martinez and
Hussein Heidari.
Broncos' goalkeeper
Jason Trejos collected two saves in the shutout victory. Monso now has 12 goals this season, including three in the postseason. In addition to his two goals Thursday, he scored against Cal State LA in the opening round of the CCAA Tournament last week.
