Forward Adam Jones scored in the 90th minute to lift No. 3-ranked Simon Fraser University to a 2-1 win over Cal Poly Pomona in the 2017 Rimrock Classic at Montana State Billings last weekend in Div. 2 soccer.
The win was especially gratifying for SFU, as Cal Poly Pomona eliminated the heavily favoured Clan in the second round of the 2016 NCAA playoffs. More importantly, it also lifted the Clan to a perfect 3-0 record. It was the first loss in five games for Cal Poly.
Jones scored his second of the season inside the box after a pass from Jeff Cadman. The second-year defender sent a long ball behind the left back and Jones had just enough space to first-time a volley past the goalie.
“It was a great win over a very good side and I am incredibly proud of my guys for finding a way to win,” said Clan head coach Clint Schneider. “Their work rate and their defensive shape were incredible and they deserved the result.”
Simon Fraser freshman Mateo Polisi notched his third of the season on a header in the 35th minute.
Late in the second half, Cal Poly Pomona tied it off a 25-yard free kick to the far post three minutes from full time. That was just enough clock for the Clan to strike back.
Simon Fraser began the season ranked No. 13 but climbed to No. 3 in the national rankings after its season-opening 8-0 win over the University of Mary.
SFU return to the Burnaby pitch to play Slippery Rock University on Friday, 7 p.m. at Terry Fox Field.
