Cal State Fullerton Battles Back to Tie Oral Roberts 2-2, Heads to Tulsa for Next Test
Cal State Fullerton’s men’s soccer team opened the season with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Oral Roberts, rallying from a two-goal deficit in the final 10 minutes of action.
Oral Roberts wasted no time, scoring in the first two minutes and adding another in the 17th minute to take a 2-0 lead. The Titans pressed for a reply during the first half, generating several scoring chances but couldn’t break through before halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Fullerton continuing to apply pressure but without finding the back of the net until late. Jonathan Grado finally put the Titans on the scoreboard in the 82nd minute, finishing off a play that began with a corner kick and a loose ball in the 18-yard box to cut the deficit to 2-1.
In the 86th minute, an unusual sequence helped Fullerton complete the comeback. Aiden Bengard capitalized on a save by the Oral Roberts keeper, stealing the ball and feeding Jorge Quintero, who put a shot on frame. Freshman Alex Lugo redirected the shot into the net for his first collegiate goal, tying the game at 2-2.
Fullerton ends the opener at a 0-0-1 record, earning a hard-fought draw after a late rally. The Titans return to action on Sunday, Aug. 24, traveling to Tulsa for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff (PT).
Notes and context:
– Grado’s 82nd-minute strike was his first goal of the season for Fullerton.
– Lugo’s tying goal marks a memorable first collegiate goal, coming in a pressure-filled moment late in the game.
– The Titans showed persistent attack throughout, creating multiple opportunities in both halves.
– The team has ESPN+-streamed home games and Big West road broadcasts, with Fullerton highlighting the new ESPN-quality production for Titan Stadium and road contests.
What to watch next:
– The Titans will look to build on the comeback mentality as they head to Tulsa for a Sunday night matchup, keeping an eye on maintaining offensive pressure while continuing to tighten defensive organization late in games.
Additional value:
– For fans planning to follow the Titans, ESPN+ will carry home games, and Fullerton has invested in enhanced production for a more broadcast-quality viewing experience.
– Key players to monitor early in the season include Grado, Lugo, Bengard, and Quintero, who were pivotal in the comeback against Oral Roberts.