Box Score PASADENA, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2021) – Men's soccer made its long-awaited return to competition, kicking off the season against Bethesda University of California on Saturday morning.
Sophomore goalkeeper Derek Ing (Hong Kong / Hong Kong Int'l School) dominated the highlight reel in the first half, keeping the game close with five saves in addition to an extraordinary leap to get the tips of both gloves on the one shot that ultimately found the net.
It was a chippy affair with 12 fouls charged against each team, though despite Caltech's bench appearing to feel on the short end of most calls the Beavers maintained their composure to defend stoutly and press forward via the wings. Still, the Beavers faced a barrage of 19 shots, including a corner kick in the 80th minute that was curling right in toward the goal before second half goalkeeper Julio Arroyo (San Salvador, El Salvador / Highlands Int'l) punched it over the crossbar. It was just one of the 11 Bethesda corner kicks in the match, and Caltech was largely successful in shutting down the Flames' set pieces even considering the 4-0 final line.
Freshman Andy Dimnaku (Wellesley, Mass. / Wellesley) turned in a notably high-effort performance up top in his collegiate debut, as did fifth-year senior JD Walker (Grand Blanc, Mich. / Grand Blanc) at right back, including a gorgeous free kick from midfield just shy of the six-yard box that clearly had the Bethesda defense beat but could not be converted.
"Bethesda were a very strong team, and it was good for us to test ourselves against a physical opponent who has already beaten two other SCIAC teams," first-year head coach Duncan Gillis said. "I think we played well in the first half; we were strong defensively and created a few opportunities from well-taken set pieces. These early games are great opportunities for us to learn about ourselves and identify areas we need to keep improving. The boys worked hard and showed a lot of fight, and we will be ready to get back into training on Monday to keep moving forward.
Caltech will be back in action at home on Wednesday, Sept. 8 against San Diego Christian College at 11 a.m.
