Box Score
LOS ANGELES, Calif.  – The Pioneers hung with No. 7 Cal State L.A., but came up on the short end of a 2-0 decision to the Golden Eagles on September 21.

With the defeat, the Pioneers stand at 0-2-2 in the CCAA and 1-3-2 overall. The Golden Eagles remain in first place in the South Division of the CCAA with a 4-1 record. Cal State L.A. improves to 5-2 for the season.

For the game, the Golden Eagles outshot the Pioneers by a 15-5 margin. Rosario Bras scored his fifth goal of the season while Antti Arvola added his fourth goal in eight games to account for the Golden Eagles two goals. Goalkeeper Waleed Cassis recorded four saves for his fourth shutout of the season.

East Bay goalkeepers Rene Martinez and Bryce Bookhamer kept the Golden Eagles in check. Martinez ended with six saves while Bookhamer turned away two saves in the second half.

"That was a frustrating and disappointing experience,” Pioneer coach Andy Cumbo said.  “The guys came to the field motivated and excited to play. We were off to a good start early on but gave up a penalty kick shortly into the game."

The Golden Eagles put the pressure on the Pioneers' backline with eight unanswered shot including four on goal in the first 26 minutes of the game. Martinez made four saves, including one on a penalty shot by Halil Tozar in the 10th minute, to prevent the Golden Eagles from scoring.

In the 29th minute, Bras scored a goal with an assist from Ricardo Sandoval and Jordan Payne to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead. Bras had two shots turned away by Martinez in the 33rd and 37th minutes.

The Pioneers took control in the final five minutes of the first half. Derek Driggs shot on goal was saved by Cassis in the 41st minutes. A minute later, Athur Ethel had a shot turned away by a Golden Eagles' defender. Miguel Padilla attempt on goal was knocked away by Cassis in the 44th minute.

East Bay had a goal taken away in the early moments of the second half.  Arvola converted a penalty in the 49th minute as the Golden Eagles increased their lead to 2-0.

"We made some adjustments before the half and had two good scoring opportunities in the five minutes of the half,” Cumbo said. “After half time we came out and scored immediately at the start of the half. Unfortunately the goal was eventually called back and another penalty kick was awarded to CSULA a minute later.  We haven't given up a penalty kick all season and it's confusing to see us be called for two tonight".

Bookhamer, who replaced Martinez in goal to begin the second half for the Pioneers, responded the following four minutes with two saves to keep the Pioneers in the game. The two teams played on even terms the following 26 minutes as Cal State L.A. held a 3-0 advantage in shots.

The Pioneers had two scoring opportunities in the final 10 minutes. Alex Diosdado had his shot saved by Cassis. Five minutes later, Jesus Leon shot went over the net.

"The guys faced a lot of adversity and frustration tonight,” Cumbo said.  “We see
this as an opportunity to learn and we'll be ready to go on Sunday."

East Bay returns to action on September 23 at Cal State Dominguez Hills. The game will begin at 2:00 p.m.