Sept. 7, 2009

Final Stats

Contact: Renee Adam

IRVINE, Calif. - UC Irvine's early goal proved costly for the Vikings as they dropped a 2-0 decision in their final match of the UC Irvine College Classic. The loss drops CSU to 1-2 on the season, while UC Irvine is now undefeated at 3-0.

"We played a poor first half and need to put together a full 90 minutes of quality play," said assistant coach TJ Kolba. "The penalty kick call during the second half was a bit questionable and put the game out of reach for us."

UC Irvine's Spencer Thompson had the first goal of the match in the third minute of play. Thompson beat Nick Harpel in the net from three feet out. The goal came off passes from the corner of the field by Jonathan Prieto and Corey Attaway.

The game winning goal for the Anteaters came off a penalty kick by Amani Walker. Walker was awarded the kick after a foul was called on CSU in the middle of the box.

Senior Marco DiFranco had the only shot on goal for the Vikings. His shot came 29 minutes into the first half and was saved by UC Irvine keeper Andrew Fontein.

The Anteaters held the edge on shots throughout the contest with 13 compared to the two shots the Vikings recorded.

Harpel was in the net for all 90 minutes and had eight saves during the match. His eight saves in California brought his career total to 184. Harpel is currently ranked seventh in the CSU record books for career saves only three matches into the 2009 season.

"We need to figure out how to put together two good halves," said Kolba. "Along with that we need to work on not giving up unearned goals on missed assignments."

Seniors Slavisa Ubiparipovic and Josh Williams were named to the UC Irvine College Classic All-Tournament team following the action this weekend. Ubiparipovic and Williams both recorded goals during the 3-2 loss to Santa Clara.

The Vikings continue on the road as they head to Indianapolis, Indiana to face IUPUI on Friday (Sept. 11) at 7:00 p.m.