PASADENA, Calif. – Caltech Men's Soccer wrapped its 2026 nonconference schedule with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Elmhurst Bluejays.
It was a hard-fought contest between two competitive and evenly-matched teams and could have easily gone either way. Caltech came out shooting in the first half, attempting six shots for Elmhurst's three, with
Matthew Luk opening the scoring with a brilliant strike in the 21st minute for his fourth of the season.
Dean Yao extended the Beavers' lead early in the second half, netting his first of the year in what would be the eventual game-winner. Elmhurst replied less than six minutes later, but Caltech's strong defensive effort kept the Bluejays from equalizing before the final whistle.
All three Beaver goalkeepers contributed to the victory with about a half hour each. Starter
Ethan Hamel earned the win while making a pair of critical saves, followed by
Alex Crowley and then
Sam Mathews who denied one Bluejay shot apiece.
Head Coach
Duncan Gillis and the Beavers will return to the North Field on Wednesday, Sep. 16 to open SCIAC play against Chapman University.
