AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific's No. 5 ranked men's soccer lost 3-2 for the first time this season in an action-packed seesaw battle with Cal Poly Pomona Wednesday evening. The Cougars rallied from one-goal down in the first half but had their 37-game regular season unbeaten streak snapped after two crucial second-half goals by Cal Poly Pomona, including the game-winner in the 81st minute.

Jonah Peck recorded a pair of assists on the night, setting up each Marco Astorga and David Kwinn with crosses that produced the Cougars two goals on the night. 

How it Happened: Despite controlling the majority of the possession in the first 10 minutes of the game, Azusa Pacific allowed the Broncos quality chances to score but goalkeeper Brendan Fix made a few saves to keep the game scoreless early on. But, eventually Cal Poly Pomona broke through off of a long throw-in the was knocked into the back of the net by Paul Henschke.

Once the game settled in, the Cougars became more comfortable on the attack in the final 10-15 minutes before halftime. In the 35th minute, Peck's early cross went through a trio of players before finding Astorga perfectly on the half-volley for the goal. The true freshman's first of his collegiate career came in his first start of the season for the Cougars.

Azusa Pacific kept the pressure on and just minutes later Peck set up Kwinn for an easy one-timer goal from inside the six-yard box. Peck regularly made runs forward towards the end of the half becoming a huge part of the Cougars attack from his right fullback position.

Cal Poly Pomona created multiple chances and held possession for 56% of the first half, but were still trailing 2-1 at the break. 

Unfortunately, the tide shifted in favor of the Broncos in the 60th minute when they tied the game. Eduardo Faria used his pace to get to the end line and it was enough to create a one-on-one opportunity the Fix couldn't keep out.

The Cougars didn't wast much time trying to re-gain their lead as left back Leo Tomasi was denied by Bronco keeper Jordan Aldama in what was Azusa Pacific's best chance of the second half in the 69th minute. Tomasi received a cross from Kwinn that he looked to head down towards the bottom corner but an excellent save by Aldama kept the game tied. Then just two minutes later, Kwinn used good combination play to free himself for a shot but it was saved rather comfortably due to the tough angle Kwinn was coming from. 

The momentum then swung in the opposite direction in favor of Cal Poly Pomona when a penalty kick was awarded for a foul committed by Tomasi in the 76th minute, but Henschke put his attempt from the spot wide of the cage.

The Broncos did follow it up just five minutes later with the eventual game-winning goal scored by Max Laguna whose left footed shot curled into the top corner for a superb finish. Laguna was cautioned for his celebration but was one of five players that were booked in this game (Kwinn being the only Cougar).

Up Next: The Cougars travel to Cal State San Bernardino to round out their CCAA nonconference opponents this Saturday, September 18th. The game is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. feel free to watch the game here or follow along with live stats here.