FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton overcame an early one-goal deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against UC Irvine Saturday night at Titan Stadium. With the draw the Titans move to 5-4-5 and 2-1-1 in Big West play.
Fullerton looked sharp to start the game, creating three quality chances in the first five minutes of play. However, the momentum quickly shifted to the Anteaters who ended up controlling a majority of the first half.
UC Irvine took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute of play as a result of miscommunication by the Titans defense. Gage Lyons of UCI took advantage and scored on an empty net to give the Anteaters a lead.
The Anteaters led 8-4 in shots at the end of the first half and 4-1 in corner kicks after 45 minutes.
Cal State Fullerton came out with more aggression to start the second half and created its best chance of the game in the 52nd minute of play. After recording just four shots in the first half, the Titans had eight shots in the second.
Ulises Grado finally scored the equalizer for the Titans in the 69th minute of play, recording his first goal as a Titan which would go on to earn Fullerton a point in the conference standings.
Jose de la Torre started the attack for Grado's goal with a great ball from midfield to change sides of the field and put the ball in the attacking third. Alex Lugo then made a quick pass back to the middle of the field to set up Grado to score the equalizer.
De la Torre had a good look at goal in the 90th minute, looking to score the game-winner in the final minute of play. However, his shot went off a Titan who was inside the six-yard box.
Fullerton is back at Titan Stadium Wednesday night to host UC Riverside in a Big West Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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