McCrath Tossed From SPU Men's Opening Loss
August 30, 2003

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif. (Aug. 30) -- Cliff McCrath, Seattle Pacific University's head coach, was ejected from the Falcons' season-opening 2-0 men's soccer loss to ninth-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills Saturday night at Toro Stadium.

The Toros (1-0-0) got goals from Francisco Corona and Michael Jimenez in either half while keeper Javier Barragan made two saves to post the shutout.

With the clock stopped, McCrath was shown a red card by referee Ryan Keck in the 63rd minute after the coach stepped foot on the field to ask why SPU forward David Smith had been ejected moments earlier.

"Usually an official first asks you to step back off the field," said McCrath, "but this time he just told me I was gone. That was it."

McCrath started the season just four wins away from becoming collegiate soccer's all-time leader in victories. Under NCAA rules he and Smith must miss Monday's game with Chico State.

Corona put in a near-post cross from Eduardo Serrano in the 21st minute. Jimenez added the insurance score less than four minutes into the second period, converting his own rebound following a save by SPU goalie James Ward.

Smith was first issued a yellow card for a hard tackle at 62:24, but after members of the CSDH bench protested to Keck, Smith was shown the red card. At that point McCrath walked less than six feet onto the field to make an inquiry. Without Smith, the Falcons played the remaining 37 minutes shorthanded.

Scoring
1, CSDH, Corona (Serrano) 20:13;
2, CSDH, Jimenez (unassisted) 48:18.

Shots--SPU 9, CSDH 10.

Saves--SPU (Ward) 2, CSDH (Barragan) 1.

Corner kicks--SPU 3, CSDH2.

Fouls--SPU 16, CSDH 16.

Offside--SPU 1, CSDH 4.

Cautions--Minami, CSDH, 13:59; Brkich, SPU, 25:16; Jimenez, CSDH, 64:24.

Ejections--Smith, SPU, 62:24, McCrath, SPU coach, 62:24.