Box Score HAYWARD, Calif. – Rey Suarez scored in the 46th minute, while goalkeeper Bryce Bookhamer recorded his first shutout of the season, leading Cal State East Bay to a 1-0 victory over Sonoma State in the season finale for both teams.

The Pioneers conclude the 2012 campaign with a 5-8-5 record. Last season, the Pioneers were 2-16. Sonoma State ends with an 8-8-2 mark.  East Bay recorded 14 shots for the game, including five on goal. Sonoma State had 19 shots, but was unable to score.                                                          

Suarez led the way for the Pioneers with five shots, including three on goal. Bookhamer played his best game of the season, turning away eight Sonoma State shots on goal. Florian Reppin had a solid all-around game, while Paul Dewhurst  and Derrek Driggs were outstanding on defense.

“I thought the game was evenly matched, both teams had solid chances in front of the goal,” Pioneer coach Andy Cumbo said.  “I liked our response at halftime, and our start to the second half.”   “Flo and Andres Ponce had really strong performances in the midfield tonight.  Both Paul & Duke did very well in the back and Bryce did well to earn the shutout.”

The only goal of the game was scored in first minute of the second half. Suarez took a pass from Javier Martin and put the ball past Sonoma State goalkeeper Sean Taufer. For Suarez, it was his fifth goal of the season.

“Javi played Rey a great ball that put him through,” Cumbo said. “When Rey dribbled the GK I didn't think he had an angle to score.”  “It was a brilliant goal, I don't know how he made it.  He was a threat
all night and ended the year really strong.” 

East Bay continued the offensive pressure early in the second half.  Timo Baeuerle had a shot go wide in the 47th minute, while a header by Dewhurst went wide of the net a minute later. In the 50th minute, Martin had his attempt on goal sail wide.

Following three attempts on goal by the Seawolves, the Pioneers countered with shots from Arthur Ethel in the 56th minute and Suarez at the 60th minute mark.

Sonoma State went on the offensive the final 30 minutes, putting up eight shots, but was unable to get the tying goal. Chris Pihl had an apparent tying goal turned away on a great save by Bookhamer in the 85th minute.

The two teams played on equal terms in a scoreless first half. Sonoma State had the first opportunity to score in the 19th minute as Pihl had a shot turned away at the last second by Bookhamer.  Suarez gave the Pioneers their first scoring opportunity in the 32nd minute when his shot was saved by Taufer.

The Pioneers ended the season on a positive note going 3-1-2 in their last six games. “We've had a positive season, and I wish we had more games to play,” Cumbo said.