Sept. 1, 2011

Box Score

Northridge, Calif. - Senior goalkeeper Trevor Whiddon turned back 9 shots Thursday night as Cal State Fullerton (1-0-1) battled defending national champion Akron to a scoreless tie in the opening match of the Matadors Men's Soccer Tournament.

The Zips (1-0-1), ranked in the national Top 10 in all the major polls including as high as No. 1, outshot the Titans, 20-14 including 10-2 in the first half. David Meves stopped 4 shots for the Zips including a pair in the second overtime period.

Oscar Aguero took 7 shots to lead Fullertonn with two of them on goal. The Zips got 7 shots including 5 on goal from Scott Caldwell and 5 shots and 1 on goal from All-American Darren Mattucks. Whiddon logged his second shutout in as many starts.

I was very pleased with the execution of our game plan by the boys," said CSF Head Coach Bob Ammann. "Our defense and pressure gave them trouble and minimized their opportunities. I felt we were unlucky not to get a result tonight. We had a number of very good chances especially in the second half. We look forward to building on this performance."

Despite Akron's possession, they rarely penetrated a Titan backline that was marshalled commandingly by the central pairing of Bobby Reiss and Roberto Vernaschi.

"Such a dominant performance by the Titan back four can only breed extreme confidence for the team at this early stage of the season," said volunteer assistant Coach Peter Kingman. "The midfield of (Michael) Denny, (Kevin) Venegas, (Oscar) Medina and (Mario) Alvarez doggedly hustled and harassed the Zips midfield forcing the reigning NCAA champs into giving up possession. The raw energy of the midfield 4 allowed loose balls and interceptions to be swiftly pounced upon and transformed into attacking transitions."

"What appeared to be a well rehearsed high pressure defensive tactic complemented by penetrating attacking sequences allowed the Titans to exert their control over the vast majority of the play. The Zips were forced to enjoy the majority of their ball possession in their own half. Akron, clearly frustrated, was forced into delivering 30-yard balls into an isolated striker, a tactic that the Titan backline and midfield ate up.

"Egged on by the confidence of their first half performance and a raucous travelling support the Titans came out flying in the second half. The second half continued to live up to the game's billing; the game became stretched around 15 minutes into the second half as both teams tried to find an edge despite their tiring legs. The fatigue seemed to affect the Zips to a greater extent as the Titans screamed forward down the left flank on numerous occasions. Alvarez twice came close to scoring after two searing runs and two equally delightful Aguero through balls. Vernaschi came close twice with a 25-yard strike that rocketed off the woodwork and with a strong header from corner. Despite the chances extra time beckoned."

"A series of Titan free kicks and corners kept the Zips goalkeeper in a constant state of turmoil, despite the top class deliveries into the box the Titans were unable to get the ball into the net past an Akron defense that anxiously managed to hack everything away. An outstanding late save from Whiddon ensured the result ended 0-0 in a game that ultimately will leave the Titans feeling as though they let Akron off the hook."

Fullerton was cited for 28 fouls to 7 for Akron and the Titans were whistled for all 5 of the game's yellow cards.

Fullerton's last scoreless tie was against Saint Mary's in last year's season opener.

Fullerton plays again Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against UNLV, a 2-1 winner in overtime over CSUN later Thursday evening.