LOS ANGELES - On Friday evening, the Cal State East Bay men's soccer team fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against No. 3 ranked Cal State LA at University Stadium.

MATCH SUMMARY

The Pioneers found themselves in an early hole as the Golden Eagles struck twice in quick succession. Oscar Warne opened the scoring for Cal State LA in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a long pass from Andrew Portis. Just over two minutes later, Joel Green doubled the host's advantage.

The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the 29th minute when a red card was issued to Cal State LA. Not only did this reduce the Golden Eagles to 10 players on the field, but it also awarded East Bay a penalty kick. Alan Gutierrez stepped up and confidently converted, breathing new life into the Pioneers' efforts.

Despite the player advantage, East Bay faced another setback when Marlon Radel extended Cal State LA's lead to 3-1 in the 36th minute.

However, the Pioneers made a late push. The resurgence began in the 81st minute when Landon Raftery headed home a precise crossing pass from Pablo Almontes, narrowing the gap to 3-2.

Just over two minutes later, Almontes found Gutierrez to combine for the equalizer. Almontes delivered another pinpoint cross, finding Gutierrez on the right side of the net. The forward's header found its mark, leveling the score at 3-3 and completing the improbable comeback.

NOTABLE STATS

• Gutierrez's brace brings his season tally to a team-leading three goals.
• Almontes provided two crucial assists.
• Bennett Richards led the offensive charge for East Bay with six shots, four of which were on target. 
• The Pioneers outshot the Golden Eagles 17-6 overall and 10-5 in shots on goal.

RECORDS AND WHERE THE PIONEERS STAND

Cal State East Bay: 4-6-3, 3-2-2 CCAA (11 points - 6th place)
No. 3 Cal State LA: 8-0-5, 3-0-4 CCAA (13 points - Tied for 1st place)

With Friday's result, Cal State East Bay sits in sixth place in the CCAA standings. This position is crucial with just four matches remaining in the regular season, as the top six teams qualify for the CCAA Tournament. Although the Pioneers have 11 points along with Cal State Monterey Bay as of Friday, CSUMB holds the current tiebreaker for fifth place in the conference standings by way of head-to-head results between the two teams in a points tie. 
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

The Pioneers will look to build on the momentum when they face Cal State Dominguez Hills this coming Sunday. The match is set for a 2 p.m. kickoff at Toro Stadium in Carson, California.