Stanislaus men’s soccer team moves into conference semifinals

Clutch goalkeeping and accurate penalty kicks extended the season for the Cal State Stanislaus men’s soccer team.

Goalkeeerper Clint Long made a diving save to lift the Warriors into the Califronia Collegiate Athletic Association semifinal with a 5-4 shootout victory over UC San Diego on Sunday afternoon.

Stanislaus (6-8-4) will open the conference Final Four in Turlock on Friday when it plays Cal State Los Angeles (13-3) at 4:30 p.m. Cal Poly Pomona will meet Cal State Dominguez Hills in the other semi with Friday’s two winners playing for the title on Sunday.

The winner advances to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

On Sunday, the Warriors and UC San Diego played to a scoreless tie in regulation and through two 10-minute overtime periods.

In the shootout, Carlos Gavino gave Stanislaus a 1-0 lead and Long preserved it with an opening save. The Warriors led 4-3 thanks to converted penalty kicks by Gerardo Cazares, Brady Taylor and Matthew Waldron. After Jose Acosta’s shot was knocked away, UCSD tied it at 4-4 on a shot by Matthew McClure.

Stanislaus freshman Rafael Chavez converted his shot for a 5-4 lead, paving the way for Long’s diving save of A.J. Beloff’s shot, sending the Warriors into the next round.

“I am really proud of the guys, coming back and traveling all the way down here on short notice,” Stanislaus coach Dana Taylor said. “They did a great job and brought a lot of energy.”

This story was originally published November 2, 2014 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Stanislaus men’s soccer team moves into conference semifinals."