University of Washington
Cal Poly
Defense Dominates In Shutout Vs. Cal Poly
August 26, 2012 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 26, 2012
SEATTLE - Outstanding defense helped the Huskies to a 2-0 shutout vs. Cal Poly at home Sunday night at Husky Soccer Field. The Huskies are 2-0 on the season while Cal Poly drops to 0-2-0.
The game was fairly even as far as possession, with Cal Poly taking a slight advantage, especially at the end of the first half. It was a very physical game on both sides as two yellow cards and one red card were issued.
"We are delighted to be 2-0," said head coach Jamie Clark. "The most important thing is getting results early and worrying about style of play second. I think we have to get better but we are getting results, forming a little bit of identity and we know we are tough. Guys are getting the belief that we can win a lot of games."
Shots were 13-7 in favor of UW but corners went to Cal Poly, 5-1. Fouls were an even 14 all.
The game-winning goal was in the first half as junior Taylor Peay (Salt Lake City, Utah) headed the ball in off of a Michael Harris (Shoreline, Wash.) flip thrown-it. It was the first goal for Peay since he scored at Portland in 2010.
Senior Abdul Aman (Seattle, Wash.) drew a foul in the box that earned a Husky penalty kick in the 64th minute. Senior captain Dylan Tucker-Gangnes (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) took the kick and drilled the ball to the upper left corner to put UW up 2-0.
On the foul, Nolan Moore left with a red card leaving Cal Poly with just 10 players the rest of the game.
The Husky defense with Tucker-Gangnes, Peay, Michael Gallagher and Andy Thoma was outstanding on the back line, forcing the Mustang attack out of the box and to take forced shots. Junior goalkeeper Spencer Richey (Seattle, Wash.) made two saves in the game earning the shutout and his second win of the year.
"We have such good, athletic, and smart defenders," Clark continued. "They read the game well and defended well. Spencer was fantastic today even though he didn't have to make as many big saves. I think those guys are brilliant. The back line and with Fisk in front of them I believe is as good of a back six as anyone in the country. "
Senior Quinton Beasley (Camas, Wash.) had a team-high three shots. Peay and senior Ben Fisk has two shots each as starters. UW also got outstanding play from its bench players, Aman, Bradley McIntosh, James Moberg, Michael Uyehara, Patrick Pacheco, Charlie Ranahan and Josh Heard.
"We have a very deep team right now," Clark added. "Trying to convince guys that are starting or not that it doesn't mean you are the better player, its mixing minutes and getting the best results for the team."
The Huskies hit the road for the first time in 2012 to play in the Portland/ Nike Invitational next week against CSU Bakersfield and Wisconsin.
"Tonight was a huge step in the right direction," said Clark. "We have three huge weekends ahead of us. If we can get out of those with our head above water I think we will be in great shape. The next three weeks will be tough."
