The Matadors men’s soccer team raised its national ranking to 15th and extended its unbeaten streak to eight games after barely escaping Cal Poly with a 1-0 victory on Oct. 26.

The Matadors improved its season record to 10-2-3 overall and 6-0-1 in Big West Conference play, achieving 19 points and sole possession of first place. The Matadors maintain a slight advantage over conference rival UCSB who has 14 points.

Cal Poly fell to 4-12, 0-7 in league action and are in last place zero points

Big West Player of the Week junior Ryan Rossi scored on a penalty kick in minute 53, following a Cal Poly handball in the box, to give CSUN the necessary goal to secure the win. Cal Poly had been playing a man down since minute 45, after a red card was issued to Mustang Nikhil Erlebach.

Cal Poly’s Chris Miechowski was called for a handball in the box, giving CSUN the penalty kick. Rossi connected past Cal Poly keeper Jeremy Coupe to the right corner to put the Matadors up 1-0.

The Mustangs out-shot the Matadors 10-4 in the second half.

Penalties came fast and furious throughout the match, with a total of 22 fouls against Cal Poly and 15 against the Matadors. CSUN was issued a total of five yellow cards, four of which were awarded in the second half. Cal Poly received two yellow cards and the one red card.

Malik Lee can be reached at malik.lee@csun.edu.