Box Score HAYWARD, Calif. – Mindy Castro's first goal of her collegiate career gave Cal State East Bay women's soccer an early lead over nationally ranked No. 14 Sonoma State. The undefeated Seawolves tied the game just before half and Lauren Curtin scored the second half game-winner for a 2-1 result inside Pioneer Stadium on Friday night.

"From the start our team knew we had to come out strong and put them on their toes. I knew when I had the chance to help my team, whether it be a goal or an assist, that I would come through," said Castro. "Getting the goal early was huge for the team. The goal gave us the confidence and belief we could compete with top level squads."

Cal State East Bay (4-4-2, 1-2-0 CCAA) became the first team in 10 matches to hold a lead longer than three minutes against Sonoma State (10-0-0, 3-0-0 CCAA) this season. The Pioneers enjoyed a 1-0 advantage for nearly 39 minutes as the home side looked to enter halftime ahead.

The Seawolves earned a corner kick in the final minute of the first half and Melissa Lafranchi was able to capitalize. East Bay starting goalkeeper Briana Scholtens stopped the initial close range shot, but Lafranchi collected the rebound and placed it past the Pioneer defense for the equalizer with :31.7 seconds remaining until intermission.

"We know (Sonoma State) is going to put us under a lot of pressure. We didn't do a good job organizing that corner kick and managing the end of the first half," said East Bay Head Coach Amy Gerace. "

Both teams made goalkeeper substitutions out of halftime as Selena Braun came in for the home side. She was tested early making a miraculous diving save off the crossbar in the 61st minute to keep the game tied 1-1.

Sonoma State controlled possession throughout the second half eventually paying off with the go-ahead score. Cecilia Sifuentes served a low cross from near the left corner of the field and found teammate Lauren Curtin. The team's leading scorer slid towards goal near the far right post to put away her eighth goal of the season in the 74th minute.

"This conference is so talented and unforgiving. (Our team) is disappointed with this result, but I'm glad they take every game seriously and play with the intent to win," added Gerace. "This team continues to excite me with the effort and commitment that I see from them."

SSU goalkeeper Ashley Luis improved to 2-0-0 this season after making a pair of second half stops in the win. Scholtens and Braun made three saves each in their respective halves of play.

Cal State East Bay (4-4-2, 1-2-0 CCAA) will host Cal State Monterey Bay (5-3-0, 2-1-0 CCAA) on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. The Otters are coming off back-to-back 1-0 wins over league opponents Cal State Stanislaus and San Francisco State.

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