SAN MARCOS, Calif. -- Sophomore Jeremy Romero converted a penalty kick with just over one minute left to play on Sunday to lift the Cal State East Bay men's soccer team to a dramatic 1-0 road victory over Cal State San Marcos.

Senior goalkeeper Adrian Topete made a pair of saves in recording his second shutout of the season. The victory was the first for the Pioneers in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play, and it snapped a six-game losing streak overall.

"This wasn't the most attractive game, but I'm happy for the players that they pulled this one out," said head coach Andy Cumbo. "They have been working so hard this season, and recently haven't come up with anything tangible to show for it."

The Pioneers controlled possession for much of the contest and their defense held the Cougars to just two shots on goal. Romero led the way offensively, taking five of East Bay's 12 shots on the day.

Senior defender Duke Driggs returned to the pitch and played all 90 minutes just 36 hours after he was taken to the hospital for stitches on a laceration he suffered during Friday's game at UC an Diego. 

"Duke is a warrior," Cumbo commented. "To turn around and finish a 90-minute match says so much about his commitment to the team. Overall a lot of players had good performances, but I thought Kalle Sjogrell played a complete match and has really turned a corner. Romero missed a couple goals he could have scored earlier in the game, so it was great to see him take the penalty with so much confidence."

"We also had some strong support from Pioneer alumni members in attendance, and I know the players definitely appreciated that," Cumbo added.

Next up, the Pioneers return home for a tough game against Cal State Stanislaus on Wednesday, Sept. 30 under the lights at 7 p.m.