Oct. 5, 2011

Box Score

Fullerton, Calif. - Juan Gutierrez and Miguel Ibarra executed a textbook 2-on-1 give-and-go rush down the left side and Gutierrez' goal with about 23 minutes remaining to play was the decider Wednesday night in UC Irvine's 2-1 win at Cal State Fullerton.

The victory improved the No. 7-ranked Anteaters' record to 10-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big West Conference and dropped the No. 28-ranked Titans to 6-3-2 and 0-2 after their second loss in a row.

Gutierrez' second goal of the year came after Ibarra had rushed the near post before touching the ball back to Gutierrez in front of the net from where he easily beat goalkeeper Trevor Whiddon.

The game was played on a wet, slippery field but no rain fell.

Each team got a fortunate goal in the first half. Jimmy Turner got his first goal of the season when his chip shot from a sharp angle left slipped through Whiddon's upraised hands and bounced into the net at the far post in the 13th minute.

Fullerton's Michael Denny got his first goal in the 38th minute when his free kick from about 30 yards on the right side glanced off an Anteater in the penalty box and whistled past goalkeeper Andrew Fontein.

"I thought we looked real good to start the game and was pleased with the energy level," said Fullerton Coach Bob Ammann. "Psychologically, it took a while to regain ourselves after the unfortunate early goal but we responded very well and had some really good chances. Our goal was not a matter of "if" but "when" and we felt real good about things at the break.

"Their winning goal is something we shouldn't let happen. A set piece for us and we end up picking it out of our own net. It's unfortunate to lose on something like that.

"Irvine is a good team and did well to capitalize on our miscues. Losing the first two conference games is disappointing but we still plan on being where we need to be at the end."

Fontein finished with 4 saves while Whiddon made 5.

Fullerton is off this weekend and plays next at UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday.