In Azusa Pacific University’s men’s soccer season opener, the visiting California State Dominguez Hills Toros fell to the Cougar squad 1-0 at the Azusa Soccer Complex on Tuesday night.
The Cougars went into the match with three key starters injured: juniors Keyran Kelly, Keenan Armbrust and Nate Nugen. However, Azusa Pacific was still able to produce on offense despite the injuries. With 16 minutes remaining in regulation, sophomore midfielder Luke Ackermann scored the game’s only goal off a header.
“I knew my opportunity was coming, and right when it was coming to me I was looking to get my head over it and put some power on it and get it by the keeper,” Ackerman said.
The Cougars dominated in field position, with most of the game spent on the Toros’ side of the field.
“We want in every game to generate goal-scoring opportunities and to be on the attacking half,” said head coach Dave Blomquist. “We want to look to do that, to be on the front foot and going at them.”
At one point late in the game, Azusa Pacific had almost twice as many shots on goal as Cal State Dominguez Hills.
However, the Toros did stage a comeback attempt in the 86th minute of action. A free-kick attempt went into the goal, but was called back because the ball had to be touched by another player before it could count. The Toros responded by working the ball back onto the Cougars’ side of the field, but time ran out and Azusa Pacific came away with its first win of the season.
The Cougars’ next home game will be against Simon Fraser University on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.