AZUSA, Calif. -- The Azusa Pacific men's soccer team moved to 2-0 on the season with a 3-0 win over Cal State San Marcos Saturday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
How it Happened: In this all-Cougar battle, the home team struck right off the bat, as Gregoire Diep took a pass from Renan Gomes at the top of the box and curled a shot into the upper left-hand corner of the goal just 90 seconds into the match. The Cougars continued to assert themselves with a high pressing defense that forced numerous turnovers in dangerous spots, and it wasn't long before the 14th-ranked team in Division II added to its advantage.
In the 16th minute, it was Gomes' turn to be on the receiving end of the ball. After a lengthy build-up, a Daniel Osei-Tutu shot was blocked towards the endline at the left edge of the box. David Medeiros, playing in his second game for Azusa Pacific, kept the ball in play and sent a centering pass back towards the top of the six-yard box. It rolled straight to Gomes, who tapped the ball into the center of the net for his first goal of the season, doubling the Cougars' lead.
Just seven minutes later, the high press would pay dividends again. A turnover near the top of the box led to a shot from Gomes that was saved by the San Marcos keeper, but the rebound bounced right to Diep who slotted in his second goal of the game, completing the scoring just before the midway point of the first half.
By the Numbers: Azusa Pacific outshot Cal State San Marcos 13-2 in the first half and 18-8 for the game. Nine different players recorded a shot for the home team. Leo Moreno got his first career start in goal and made three saves for his first collegiate shutout. Azusa Pacific was able to spread the playing time around, as 21 different players saw action in the contest and only five field players went more than 60 minutes. Diep's brace marked the second time in his Azusa Pacific career that he has scored multiple goals in a game (2018 vs. Holy Names). Gomes has played twice against Cal State San Marcos and has registered a goal and an assist in both matchups. This is the first time since 2007 that Azusa Pacific has opened the season with back-to-back shutouts. That 2007 team went on to win the program's lone NAIA championship, finishing the season 20-1-1.
Up Next: The Cougars (2-0) will be on the road next week, paying a visit to 2nd-ranked Cal State Los Angeles on Friday. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. and the game can be streamed online via the CCAA Network.
POSTGAME INTERVIEW: GREGOIRE DIEP
