Thursday, November 9, 2017

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For the second year in a row, Cal Poly Pomona advanced over No. 11 Simon Fraser in the 2017 NCAA Division II postseason, this time with a 2-1 victory Thursday afternoon at the Point Loma Nazarene University Soccer Field.

With four minutes left in the contest, Cal Poly Pomona forward Dante Medina saw his near-post effort from 16-yards out sneak past diving Clan goalkeeper Miguel Hof for the game-winner.

Allowing the opening goal three minutes into the match, the Clan bounced back just one minute later, finding the net via a Broncos’ own goal. Up until the final goal was conceded, the Clan buckled down defensively, allowing just one shot in the second half. Simon Fraser outshot the Broncos 16-5, landing five attempts on target.

Simon Fraser came close to netting the game-winner with 10 minutes left in regulation. Clan defender Michael North glided past three Broncos atop the 18-yard box, only to see his left-footed effort fly high.

GNAC Freshman of the Year Matteo Polisi led the Clan with six shots, four of which were on goal. Hof ended the day with two saves.

Despite playing the Broncos to a scoreless draw in the 2016 NCAA postseason tournament, Simon Fraser eventually fell 4-3 in penalty kicks. GNAC champions for the second-straight year, the Clan end the season with an 11-3-4 record, winning the GNAC title for the sixth time in eight years.

With the win, Cal Poly Pomona advances to take on hosts No. 23 Point Loma this Saturday.