Box Score HAYWARD, Calif. – On Sunday afternoon Cal State East Bay was unable to become the first team this season to defeat nationally ranked No. 15 Sonoma State. The Pioneers dropped a 2-0 decision to the Seawolves at Pioneer Stadium and became the fifth SSU opponent to be held scoreless this season.

"I was happy with our effort and the execution of our game plan," said East Bay Head Coach Amy Gerace. "Sonoma State is a very athletic team that will work hard and wear down defenses to create scoring opportunities."

Sonoma State (5-0-1, 3-0-1 CCAA) was on the attack from the start and cashed in with a goal in the 37th minute. The pass from Melissa LaFranchi found Alicia Mertz near the right post from 10 yards out. Mertz scored her team leading fifth goal and gave the Seawolves a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Cal State East Bay (1-5-0, 1-3-0 CCAA) held the California Collegiate Athletic Association's highest scoring offense to just a single goal through the first 80 minute of play. SSU's Cara Curtin changed that after winning a 50-50 ball near midfield. Curtin dashed towards the Pioneer goal one-on-one and put away her fifth goal of the season.

Curtin led all players with six shots including a near-miss off the crossbar in the 23rd minute. She ranks third in the CCAA with 28 shots taken and has scored three goals in her last two matches.

CSUEB placed six of its seven shots on target in full time. Andrea Hernandez led the squad with three shots and forced SSU goalkeeper Allison Hadidian to make two of her six saves on the day. Pioneers goalkeeper Donna Williams made four saves in the loss.

Sunday was the first of a five-match homestand for the Pioneers. On Friday, Sept. 27, CSUEB will host Cal State Monterey Bay (2-3-1, 1-2-1 CCAA) at 4:30 p.m.

Photos of Pioneer soccer are available at KLCfotos.com.