CLAREMONT, Calif. – Nicholas Coop scored the only goal in the 65th minute, leading Whittier to a 1-0 victory over the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men’s soccer team in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener Wednesday at Nakasone Field.
The game-winning goal was set up by a give-and-go with Nils Negardin, who passed inside the box before Coop finished behind the CMS defense. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps goalkeeper Axel Jimenez made five saves but allowed his first goal after recording shutouts in his first two collegiate home games.
The loss dropped CMS to 3-2-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Whittier improved to 2-0-4 overall and 1-0 in SCIAC action.
Daniel Zhu led CMS with four shot attempts, nearly tying the game in the 83rd minute with a shot that missed just wide of the right post. James Gomez added three shots for the Stags.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps will next play Saturday at California Lutheran University at 6 p.m.
CSB Take
The narrow 1-0 loss in the SCIAC opener illustrates how critical finishing chances are in competitive conference play. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps generated opportunities but will need to improve attacking efficiency to secure victories moving forward. Saturday’s game at California Lutheran presents an immediate opportunity for the Stags to rebound and establish positive momentum in league competition.
Source: Original report
