HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team closed out the 2017 season on a high note, defeating Cal State Marcos by a score of 2-1 on Saturday at Pioneer Stadium.

It was the first win in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) competition this season for the Pioneers, who finish with an overall record of 4-12-2 and a 1-10-1 record in conference games. 

The match was preceded by the annual "Senior Day" ceremony on a beautiful, sunny morning in the Hayward Hills. The Pioneers honored seniors TJ Butler, Christian Mendoza, Ikaika Nichols, Davis Okonkwo, Evan Sanchez, and Adolfo Villa in a pre-game ceremony.

It was a tight, evenly-played contest in the early going, with both squads attempting five shots in the first half. The Pioneers got on the scoreboard first in the 41st minute. The Cougars were called for a foul in the middle of the goalie box, setting up a penalty kick. Butler converted the PK, scoring into the top right corner of the net for his fifth goal of the season. The senior finished the year in a tie with Sanchez for the team lead in total points (13).

Less than a minute later, the Pioneers had the ball back in CSUSM's territory. Freshman Grant LaFleur got a pass from Keith Moreno near the far left corner of the goalie box, took a dribble towards the middle, and fired a beautiful bending shot that beat the keeper into the right corner of the goal. East Bay took that 2-0 lead into halftime. 

The Cougars were aggressive throughout the second half as they attempted to rally back. The visitors cut their deficit in half in the 57th minute, when Spencer Griffith out-leaped the CSUEB defense on a free kick to head a goal into the top right corner of the net. 

San Marcos had several opportunities in East Bay's defensive zone over the final 30 minutes, but the Pioneers held stoutly. It was a strong effort by goalkeeper Omar Coronel and the CSUEB back line defense, led by junior Brett Fuchs. 

All in all, it was a memorable Senior Day and a satisfying victory for an East Bay squad that got off to a strong start in 2017 before suffering a number of tough conference losses. The season-ending victory pushes the Pioneers over the Cougars in the final CCAA standings.