LA JOLLA, Calif. - A pair of goals helped the UC San Diego men's soccer team continue its winning ways at home in a 2-0 shutout over Cal State San Bernardino Sunday afternoon at Triton Soccer Field.

The Tritons improved to 6-2-2 on the season and 5-1-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), while the Coyotes took their first loss of the year, placing them at 3-1-6 overall and 3-1-4 in conference.

"We had some concerns going into the game, just about how the guys would respond after such an emotional hard fought win Friday night (1-0 vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills)," said UCSD head coach Jon Pascale. "I thought the guys showed a lot of heart, character and experience in the way they played today."

UCSD scored early in the first quarter. Elan Gefen served the ball into the box from the right side of the field. Evan Walker was there to receive the ball and move it forward another five yards before striking it past Coyote keeper Tanner Olinger's right shoulder.

Cal State San Bernardino's Ricardo Velasco threatened to score several times, finishing with four shots on goal, but could not find the back of the net.

Defense has been key for the Tritons, as they have not allowed a goal in their last four matches. Three of those ended in wins while the other was a draw.

"The defense has been great," said Pascale. "From our goalkeeper to the back four, we've played a lot of guys in there. It's nice to be able to have that many guys to trust."

The Tritons got an insurance goal from Will Pleskow at the 79:00 mark, his first goal of the season.

"San Bernardino is a good team," said Pascale. "Great job by our guys. I think ultimately our bench won the game. We were deeper than they were and I think it showed."

UC San Diego will meet the Seawolves of Sonoma State Friday, Oct. 5 on the road as its first North Division opponent of the season.

-- UCSDtritons.com --