Mustangs Move Up with Tie

The men's soccer team preserved a 0-0 tie with Menlo Thursday at Reese Field, and in the process moved up into a tie for the sixth and final spot for the GSAC post-season tournament.

Master's (5-8-3, 3-4-1 GSAC) controlled the action, out-shooting a Menlo team that has only one loss in conference play. The Oaks could only muter three shots, and not a single one was on goal.

"To do that to a team as good as Menlo is is impressive to me," said Head Coach Jim Rickard. "We gave up some dangerous free kicks and corners in the first half but settled in the second half to play one of the most composed games in a few years."

Menlo had four corner kicks in the first half, but that was all they would get. Master's ramped up the pressure in the second half getting eight of their ten shots in the final 45 minutes, as well as four of their six corners.

The Mustangs are now 3-0-1 in their last four games.

"I really enjoyed the way we played in that second half," Rickard said. "We struggled to put the ball on the frame of the goal, but did so many great things to set ourselves up. We have improved every game and the three wins have given us some much-needed confidence."

Theo Kudlo led the Mustangs with three shots, one of which was on goal, followed by Prince Chingancheke with two. But it was the defensive play by Master's back line that stood out the most for Coach Rickard.

"Robert (Castro) and Kristjan (Reci) looked like very high level veterans (Thursday) and led the team from the back," said Rickard. " Theo (Kudlo) has been fantastic as well. I give credit to everyone who played for a complete game from box to box. We just missed that elusive finish to close it out."

Master's is tied with Westmont for that sixth and final spot in the post-season. Menlo is in fifth, three points ahead. The Oaks will play the Warriors in Santa Barbara Saturday in the final game of the season. Master's will be at home Saturday against the William Jessup Warriors, a team with just one win in conference and currently in ninth place in the standings. Should the Mustangs beat William Jessup, and Menlo either defeat or tie Westmont, Master's will get that final spot in the post-season tournament. Should the Mustangs tie William Jessup, they would need a Menlo win to advance.

Kickoff for the William Jessup game, which will be Senior Day for the Mustangs, is at 1:30 p.m.