Friday, Sept. 21
vs. Cal State LA (4-2-0, 3-1-0 CCAA)
Jesse Owens Track | Los Angeles
4:30 p.m.
Live stats

Sunday, Sept. 23
vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills (1-4-1, 1-3-0 CCAA)
Toro Stadium | Carson
2 p.m.
Live stats


HAYWARD, Calif. - The Pioneer men's soccer team will continue their CCAA road trip this week. Following solid team efforts against the top 3 CCAA teams in the North Division, the Pioneers will battle with South Division leader Cal State L.A. on September 21 at 4:30 p.m. The road trip concludes on September 23 with a match against Cal State Dominguez Hills. The match will begin at 2:00 p.m. East Bay lost to Cal State L.A. and Cal State Dominguez Hills during the 2011 campaign.

“We can't wait to play against CSULA,” Pioneer coach Andy Cumbo said.  “So far we've played four out of the top nine teams in the region and earned positive performances against them all. We're thrilled to be playing the 7th ranked team on Friday.”

The Pioneers, 0-1-2 in conference and 1-2-2 overall, have proven a force to be reckoned with in the CCAA. After an impressive 1-0 defeat to North Division leader Sonoma State, the Pioneers held Cal State Stanislaus and Chico State to one goal in 220 minutes in a pair of games that ended in draws over the weekend. The Warriors and Wildcats combined for 52 shots, but an outstanding Pioneer backline held both teams in check.                                                                                                                                                             

“We've all worked very hard to be successful,” Cumbo said.  “Our goal is to accumulate points this year.  Our next step is to generate more points this weekend.”

East Bay has received outstanding play from goalkeepers Bryce Bookhamer and Rene Martinez. Bookhamer has appeared in five games allowing 1.02 goals with seven saves. Martinez has allowed 1.20 goals with 19 saves in five games. 

“The combination of Bryce & Rene has been great,” Cumbo said.  “I think we have two of the strongest GK's in the conference. They're both extremely talented and competitive, but most importantly they care about what's best for the team before they think about themselves.  As they've been sharing a starting position they are both constantly forced to train and perform at a high level.  The combination has been working out great for everyone.”

The Pioneer backline has been spectacular in CCAA play led by Salvador Mendoza, Paul Dewhurst and freshman Kellen Crow.

“Our backline is very strong,” Cumbo said.  “We have six guys that have been playing regularly in the backline and a few other strong players that are ready to go. The level of competition has been very high and everyone has been working hard in training and games to solidify their position within the line.”

Florian Reppin remains the Pioneers' top scorer with two goals and one assist. Rey Suarez, who scored a goal with one second remaining in regulation against Chico State, tops the Pioneers with 10 shots for the season. Chris Lara has scored a goal and an assist in five games.

“Florian has been very solid for us,” Cumbo said. “He is in his senior season and he has been a great leader. He is a very efficient and simple player and he has helped us greatly with our possession.  Rey is a constant threat and attracts a lot of attention and fouls.  He's a dangerous player and also a great goal scorer.  He has more to his game that he hasn't shown on game day yet.  Chris has been a consistent and effective player for us.  He's great in combination play and in 1v1 situations.  He owned the flank last Sunday in Chico and has yet to show what a goal scorer he is.”

Cal State L.A., the defending CCAA champion, is 3-1 in conference and 4-2 overall. The Golden Eagles, ranked 7th nationally, have won their last three games by shutouts. Rosario Brass and Antti Arvola lead the Golden Eagles in scoring with nine points each. Goalkeeper Waleed Cassis has allowed 0.97 goals a game with three shutouts.

Cal State Dominguez Hills is 1-3 in the CCAA and 1-4-1 for the season. The Toros lone CCAA victory came over Cal State Stanislaus, 2-1. The Toros are led in scoring by Christian Soto and Andrew Johnson with three points each. Goalkeepers Trey Mitchell and Juan Quiroz have allowed eight goals in six games.