The Cal Poly Mustangs men’s soccer team played to a 1-1 tie against the UC San Diego Tritons in their Pac-12 Conference opener on September 30, 2026, at La Jolla, California. Junior forward Colin Pearce gave Cal Poly an early lead by scoring a free-kick goal in the sixth minute, marking his fourth goal of the season and establishing the Mustangs’ offensive presence early in the match.
Goalkeeper Mathew Guerra made four saves, including stops in the seventh, eighth, and 31st minutes, helping maintain Cal Poly’s advantage into halftime. Sophomore defender Tanner Casey also contributed with a crucial block in the 78th minute, bolstering the Mustangs’ defense through most of the contest.
Late in the match, UC San Diego’s Matteo Saffer scored the equalizer in the 89th minute. Saffer received a pass from Keenai Braun in the penalty box and fired a shot through defensive traffic to tie the game. The 1-1 draw marked a balanced start for both teams in their first Pac-12 outing of the season.
Cal Poly will return home to face California Baptist on October 4, 2026, at 3 p.m., with the match available on ESPN+.
CSB Take
The Mustangs demonstrated strong early offensive capabilities and resilient defense in their Pac-12 debut. Colin Pearce’s free-kick goal set the tone, while Mathew Guerra’s four saves showcased dependable goalkeeping. The late equalizer by UC San Diego underscores the competitive nature of the conference, making Cal Poly’s upcoming home matches vital for establishing their standing in the league.
Source: Original report
