GoSlugs.com - Main Page

Davin Kono (JR, Encinitas, CA) racked up his 7th assist of the year, and Ben Middlemiss (FR, Arcata, CA) got his first goal of his college career, as the UC Santa Cruz Men's Soccer Program shutout visiting Cal State East Bay 1-0. The win takes the Slugs to 5-4-2 on the year and 4-2-2 in NCAA Division III play. The Slugs started the game with several key players missing though injury, including leading scorer Matt Fondy (SO, Foster City, CA), Evan Chambers (SO, Healdsburg, CA), and Harrison Foster (SO, Woodland Hills, CA). However the Slugs got several stellar stand in performances from Kenny Johnson (FR, Bakersfield, CA), Jason Lent (JR, Bell Canyon, CA) and the goal scorer, Middlemiss. "It is always great to see young players step in for our starting players and keep the level high. I think that it goes to show the depth of our team, and how good our younger players are," said head coach Dan Chamberlain. The first half was a defensive battle, with each team only generating a handful of shots. The Slugs' best opportunity coming through Jason Lent, who stung the keeper's hands with a vicious strike on goal from 18 yards out. While the Slugs controlled much of the game through their possession, they were out shot in the first period 4-3. However, Slug keeper Brandon Brooks (JR, Loomis, CA) made 2 saves to keep the Slugs level going into the break. In the second half, the Slugs came out and took control of the game generating several very good scoring opportunities through Lent, Tim Degrasse (JR. Santa Cruz, CA), and Clay Sorensen (JR. San Rafael, CA). However, the Slugs were handicapped further in the 60th min, when Dan Seltzer (SO. Danville, CA) was sent off with a strait red card for a tackle that was deemed reckless. However, even with 10 men the Slugs maintained control of the game and most of the possession. Then in the 81st min, Middlemiss was sent through 1v1 with the East Bay keeper by Kono. Middlemiss maintained his composure and with the game on the line slotted the ball into the back of the net. The goal was Middlemiss's first of the season and propelled the Slugs to a 4-2-2 record in NCAA Division III. The Slugs face NCAA Division III Independent rival University of Dallas next, this Saturday at 2 PM on the Lower East Field.