Vanguards Pass Huge Test; Win 3-1

Simpson defeats CSU Maritime in must-win contest

- (10/12/2004)

Under the pressure of needed a win to stay in the running for a NCCAA Tournament Bid, the men's soccer team pulled together for a 3-1 victory over the visiting Keelhaulers of Cal State Maritime.

The Keelhaulers had defeated Simpson twice previously this season.

David Hicks (So., Auburn) opened up the scoring late in the first half putting away a perfect cross from Jason Koopmans (So., Santa Cruz) and giving the Vanguards a 1-0 halftime lead.

Simpson started the second half strong as Tyler Rowley (So., Elk Grove) headed home a long cross from the wing by James Gregory (Jr., Folsom).

With the Vanguards in control, the Keelhaulers made a run getting a goal from Mitka van Reis Crooks in the 60th minute. 

Simpson held strong and put the game away with less than 15 minutes to play with some beautiful passing.  A string of five plus passes ended with Calvin Robertson (So., Redding) slotted one past the spawling goalie.

Daniel Anderson (Fr., Cameron Park) made eight saves for Simpson, who hosts William Jessup at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Vanguards need to win their final two games to get a bid into the NCCAA DII National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.