Toros Men Blank Seattle Pacific for First Win of Season
Kei Kamara’s second half goal propels No. 9 Toros
August 28, 2004

SEATTLE, Wash—Kei Kamara’s (Lawndale, CA/Leuzinger HS) second half goal provided all the scoring Cal State Dominguez Hills would need in defeating Seattle Pacific University 1-0 in non-conference action at Interbay Stadium Saturday night.

The win is the first of the 2004 campaign for the 9th-ranked Toros, and the first win ever over Seattle Pacific on its home turf. CSUDH is now 1-1-0, and snap a three-game losing streak dating to last season. The Falcons meanwhile, fall to 0-1-0.

“It’s nice to get our first win here in Seattle against legendary Cliff McCrath and a very good Seattle Pacific team,” said Head Coach Joe Flanagan. “It’s also nice to get the first win of the season out of the way.”

Kamara broke a scoreless tie in the 57th minute on a quick counterattack. He took an upfield pass from Ryan Taylor (Chino Hills, CA/Ayala HS) at the top of the box, turned and blasted his shot inside the right corner of the goal, past SPU keeper James Ward.

Seattle Pacific had three good chances in the final 10 minutes of play, but the CSUDH defense held on. Toro goalie Kyle Polak (Huntington Beach, CA/Fountain Valley HS) made a beautiful save in the 80th minute, blocking a six-yard shot from Nick Letts to preserve the shutout.

The Toros outshot SPU 9-7 in the game. Polak made three saves to earn the win. Falcon goalie James Ward, who made a highlight stop on a point-blank shot by CSUDH forward Francisco Corona in the first half, suffered the loss while making four saves.

The shutout marked the first time the Falcons have been blanked in a home opener since 1972.

Cal State Dominguez Hills will complete its 3-game road trip in the Great Northwest on Monday with a game against Western Washington. First kick is set for 2 PM.