HAYWARD, Calif., -- The Cal State East Bay women's soccer team opened the 2018 campaign with a 3-0 win over the visiting Academy of Art Urban Knights on Thursday evening, August 30 at Pioneer Stadium.
 
It was the first win as a Pioneer for head coach Robin Hart who was very proud of her team's effort and willingness to compete throughout the game.
 
"I am proud of the way our team played tonight," expressed Hart. "They came out with energy and a purpose. They are continuing to learn and grow everyday."
 
For East Bay it was their second consecutive season opening victory as they shutout ART U in dominating fashion.
 
Sophomore Abby Buitrago (San Jose, Calif.) the Pioneer's leading scorer from last season picked up where she left out as she notched CSUEB's first goal on the season on a perfect pass through the middle of the defense by fellow sophomore Jordan Lemieux (Bothell, Wash.). The goal came in the fourth minute of action as Buitrago ended the night with one goal and Lemieux with one assist.
 
It would not take long for Cal State East Bay to get back in the scoring column as newcomer Chace Miguel (Hollister, Calif.) tallied her first career goal as a Pioneer in the 13th minute of play. Miguel played a perfect shot to the left side of the Urban Knights goalkeeper on a pass from junior Jamie McPherson (San Leandro, Calif.). Miguel finished with one goal and McPherson added a helper on the evening.
 
The Pioneers would light the scoreboard up one last time in the 29th minute of the game on an excellent display of teamwork from senior Eilana Mendoza (Tracy, Calif.) and junior Liz Hernandez (Whittier, Calif.). Hernandez sliced the ART U defense and placed a timely pass down the side to Mendoza who put the shot over the outstretched arms of the Urban Knights goalkeeper.
 
CSUEB was very aggressive on both ends of the field as they out shot ART U 15-1 with 11 shots coming on goal.
 
True freshman Briana Vasquez-Ortiz got the start in goal for the Pioneers and played all 90 minutes while not allowing any goals as she improved to 1-0 on the season.
 
Cal State East Bay will continue their season opening home stand as they welcome the Fresno Pacific Sunbird to Pioneer Stadium for a matchup on Saturday afternoon, September 1 scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.