Alejandro Zarate has been named this week's CCAA Men's Soccer Athlete of the Week after he secured the Pioneers to two crucial conference victories.
 
The junior midfielder scored four goals on nine shots, seven being on target, across two matches, including two game-winners, leading East Bay to wins over #15 Cal State LA and Cal State Monterey Bay.
 
The Pioneers took the pitch in Alameda at the Oakland Roots Training Facility to face nationally ranked Cal State LA. For the first time in program history, East Bay earned a 3-2 upset, powered by Zarate, who tallied two shots, both on goal, and scored twice. He opened the scoring in the 4th minute to give the Pioneers early momentum. After taking a 2-1 lead into halftime, East Bay saw LA equalize in the 64th minute, but just 10 minutes later, Zarate answered back, netting the game-winner in the 74th to secure the historic victory. 
 
Just two days later, Zarate led the Pioneers to a 2-1 win over Cal State Monterey Bay, scoring in both halves. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a low drive from 20 yards out before converting a 74th-minute penalty to put the game away. Along with his two goals, he tallied seven shots, five of which were on target.
 
Zarate currently leads the CCAA in goals (8), points (22), shots (45), and shots on goal (26), while ranking second in assists (6) and second in game-winning goals (3). 
 
This marks Zarate's first career CCAA Athlete of the Week honor and the first for Cal State East Bay this season.
 
Next up, East Bay is scheduled to play at Cal State San Bernardino on Friday, October 24 at 12:30 p.m. at Premier Field, followed by a matchup at Cal Poly Pomona on Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m. at Kellogg Stadium.