ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team fell 5-1 to Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday afternoon at the Oakland Roots Training Facility. Bennett Richards gave the Pioneers an early advantage, but the Broncos responded with five unanswered goals as East Bay moved to 2-9-4 overall and 2-4-3 in CCAA play.
The Pioneers wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 lead just 29 seconds into the match. Richards found the back of the net off an assist from Misael Meza, giving East Bay an early advantage against the Broncos.
East Bay continued to create opportunities in the opening half. Guilherme Azevedo sent an attempt over the goal in the second minute, while Kiichi Murakami forced a save from Cal Poly Pomona goalkeeper Kaden Gust in the 18th minute.
Cal Poly Pomona responded in the 25th minute when Marvin Gamez scored at 24:33 to even the match at 1-1. The Broncos took the lead shortly before halftime, as Vincent Padilla scored at 42:13 off assists from Jacob Ramirez and Nico Sanchez to put Cal Poly Pomona ahead 2-1.
The Pioneers finished the opening half with six shots, placing four on goal, while the Broncos recorded eight shots. East Bay also held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks through the first 45 minutes.
East Bay had an opportunity to equalize early in the second half, earning a penalty kick in the 55th minute. Jefferson Parada stepped up for the attempt, but the Pioneers were unable to convert as Cal Poly Pomona maintained its one-goal advantage.
The Broncos extended their lead in the 78th minute when Clement Badger scored at 77:27. Hector Arellanes followed with another goal at 78:52, assisted by Jose Garcia, before Garcia added the final goal at 79:45 off an assist from Daniel Gutierrez.
Richards led the East Bay attack with two shots, both on goal, and the Pioneers' lone goal. Meza recorded the assist, while Murakami and Johannes Gikas each added a shot on target.
Adan Corona played all 90 minutes in goal for East Bay, recording two saves. The Pioneers finished with seven shots, including four on goal, while Cal Poly Pomona recorded 17 shots and nine on target. Both teams finished with four corner kicks.
The Pioneers struck early and carried their advantage into the opening stages of the match before Cal Poly Pomona responded. East Bay will look to regroup and return to form as it continues its CCAA schedule.
