LA JOLLA, Calif. -- On an uncharacteristically muggy evening at Triton Stadium, the Cal State East Bay men's soccer team fell on the road to UC San Diego by a final score of 1-0 on Friday. 

Following the first week of fall classes, the Pioneers (1-6, 0-3 CCAA) and Tritons (3-2-3, 0-2-1 CCAA) played in front of over 600 spectators, their largest crowd of the year. With the shutout victory, UCSD still has not allowed a goal at home in 380 minutes of play. 

"We weren't as sharp today as we have been lately," commented head coach Andy Cumbo. "I think the humidity played a bit of an impact."

The Pioneers played the Tritons tight for 90 minutes, but they trailed for nearly the entire game after UCSD netted a goal in the ninth minute. East Bay's defense cleared out a Triton throw-in with header, but the ball found the left foot of Zachary Lagotta, who found the back of the net for the early goal.

"We did a great job defending their long throw-ins in the box, but unfortunately we lost a knockdown and gave up a free shot," Cumbo said. "Going down early against UCSD is challenging; they are tough to play against when they are managing a lead."

CSUEB's defense was stout for the remainder of the contest, and goalkeeper Adrian Topete made a pair of saves. But the Pioneers weren't able to convert on any of their 10 shots. 

There was scary moment early in the second half when senior captain and center back Duke Driggs suffered a severe laceration about his eyebrow following a collision and had to be transported to a local hospital.  

"Duke is a big player for us, and it definitely had an impact losing him," Cumbo added. "The team is still working hard and making improvements, and they're extremely hungry to win. We know we have a tough match ahead of us at CSUSM. They are a very good team and had a convincing 3-0 win over Stanislaus today. We'll be recovered and ready to compete with them on Sunday." 

After an off day Saturday, the Pioneers visit CCAA newcomer Cal State San Marcos on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. as they look to notch their first conference victory.