HAYWARD, Calif. – The freshman duo of Abby Buitrago and Lauren McDougal teamed up for two goals in Cal State East Bay women's soccer 2-1 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opening victory over Humboldt State Friday evening, September 15 in Pioneer Stadium.
 
"Some of our new players really stepped up their level of intensity today," head coach Amy Gerace said. "Nae'lani O'Neal contributed in a lot of ways on both sides of the ball. Abby Buitrago obviously stepped up big time with two goals. I told the team, she finished what they started. Lauren McDogual was also great assisting Abby's goals and helping our attack."
 
With the win East Bay gave Humboldt State (3-1, 0-1 CCAA) their first loss of the 2017 season while improving to 3-3 on the year and 1-0 in CCAA play. This is the second time in three years the Pioneers have won their conference opener.
 
CSUEB came out aggressively from the opening kick. Routinely attacking the Lumberjack defenders and forcing them the play to the Pioneers style.
 
"Our returners and backs really helped to control moments of the game that needed it," Gerace explained. "Savannah Schultz also had a great game in the midfield. She is such a steady player and does so many great things for us."
 
Abby Buitrago, a native of San Jose, Calif., led the Pioneer scoring attack. She put the Pioneers in the scoring column first when she received a pass though the top of the box from Lauren McDougal and weaved around a defender before putting the shot in the back of the right side of the goal. It was Buitrago's first goal of her East Bay career but it would not be her last.
 
Humboldt State tied the game in the 34th minute to take a 1-1 tie into the intermission. The game would remain tight throughout the first part of the second half.
 
But the McDogual to Buitrago connection would strike again for the game-winning goal in the 71st minute of action. McDougal's pass ricocheted of a Humboldt State defender right in front of Buitrago as she placed the shot just over the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.
 
For Buitrago, those were her first and second goals of the 2017 season. As for McDougal, those were her team-leading second and third assist of the year.
 
East Bay outshot Humboldt State 8-7 but the Lumberjacks held the shot on goal advantage 6-5. Nae'lani O'Neal paced the Pioneers with four shots, including one shot at the frame. Buitrago connected on both of her attempts and Carsyn Hoogendoorn and Eliana Mendoza both had one shot apiece.
 
Goalie Ina Gonzalez recorded a career best five saves in the win. She now leads CSUEB with 16 saves on the 2017 season.
 
Head coach Amy Gerace really felt the team put together a well-rounded team effort in the win.
 
"I'm proud of the team effort today," expressed Gerace. "They came out with determination and put together some really good moments in the game. Humboldt State always plays tough and they did a great job keeping us under pressure until the final seconds of the game. We have things we need to get better at to play in the tough conference, but it's nice to start with a win and get ready for Sonoma State."
 
The Pioneers will complete the CCAA home stand with a matchup against Sonoma State on Sunday afternoon, September 17. Kickoff with be at 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Stadium.