HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay men's soccer closed out the regular season with a strong showing against the CCAA leader Cal State Dominguez Hills, falling 1-0 on Thursday.  The Pioneers moved to 6-5-5 overall and 4-2-4 despite outshooting the Toros 15-5.
 
The Toros struck early when Sergio Valenzuela scored in the 19th minute off an assist from Jose Peredia. Despite falling behind, the Pioneers' defense locked down the rest of the way, holding Dominguez Hills without a shot on goal in the second half.
 
Senior goalkeeper Adan Corona made three saves to keep East Bay within striking distance, while the Pioneers' offense pushed relentlessly for an equalizer. Alejandro Zarate was dynamic throughout the match, recording a game-high eight shots, including two on frame. Julian Valle, Kiichi Murakami, and Alexis Villanueva Zavala each added scoring chances as East Bay generated six corner kicks and sustained pressure in the attacking third.
 
Cal State East Bay will enter the CCAA Tournament as the No. 6 seed.  The Pioneers will head south to take on Cal State LA on Sunday with the winner advancing to the semifinal on the campus of Cal State Monterey Bay next week.