The Cal State Monterey Bay Otters men’s soccer team encountered its first defeat of the 2026 season with a 4-2 loss to the Point Loma Sea Lions on September 12 at the PLNU Soccer Field in San Diego, California.
Otters striker Kai Martin scored both goals for Monterey Bay, recording his third multi-goal game of the season and increasing his team-leading total to six goals through five matches.
Cal State Monterey Bay opened the scoring at 18:43 in the first half when Martin found the net to give the Otters a 1-0 lead. However, Point Loma responded with three goals before halftime by Simon Sagal, Evan Youngflesh, and Cole Friesen, establishing a 3-1 advantage at the break.
Just 4:42 into the second half, Martin scored again to narrow the deficit to 3-2. The Sea Lions restored their two-goal lead in the 63rd minute when Jack Merrill converted a penalty kick. Despite pressure from Monterey Bay in the final minutes, the Otters were unable to score again.
Point Loma finished with a total of 19 shots and 10 on goal, while Cal State Monterey Bay attempted 15 shots with six on target. Otters goalkeeper Griffin Welch contributed six saves in the match.
The loss brings Cal State Monterey Bay’s non-conference record to 4-1. The team will start California Collegiate Athletic Association play on the road against Stanislaus State on September 18.
CSB Take
Cal State Monterey Bay’s first loss of the season highlights areas for improvement as the team transitions to conference competition. Kai Martin’s scoring consistency remains a key asset for the Otters’ offense. Moving forward, the team must focus on bolstering its defense and finishing scoring opportunities to contend effectively in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Source: Original report
