ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team fell 3-1 to Cal State San Marcos on Thursday afternoon at the Oakland Roots Practice Facility. Mauricio Velazquez gave the Pioneers an early advantage, but the Cougars responded with three unanswered goals as East Bay moved to 2-10-4 overall and 2-5-3 in CCAA play.
The Pioneers generated several opportunities in the opening minutes, with Isaac Bandabaila forcing a save from San Marcos goalkeeper Yoel Vazquez in the seventh minute. Ezekiel Anaya followed with three first-half shot attempts, including one on goal that required another save in the 19th minute.
East Bay broke through in the 24th minute when Velazquez found the back of the net at 23:55 to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead. The Cougars answered less than six minutes later, as Cisco Avila scored at 29:34 to even the match at 1-1.
The two teams entered halftime tied after combining for 18 shots in the opening 45 minutes, with each side recording nine attempts.
East Bay continued to create opportunities early in the second half. Alejandro Zarate forced a save in the 54th minute, while Julian Valle added another attempt shortly afterward.
San Marcos took the lead in the 58th minute when Matthew Ibarra scored at 57:35 to make it 2-1. Shortly after, East Bay goalkeeper Adan Corona received a red card at 58:09, forcing the Pioneers to make a change in goal as Edwin Rodriguez entered the match.
Despite playing with 10 men, East Bay continued to push forward, with Valle forcing another save in the 65th minute. The Pioneers also generated several corner-kick opportunities throughout the second half. San Marcos was reduced to 10 players in the 76th minute when Oli Barrosa received a red card at 75:51, leaving both teams with 10 players for the remainder of the match.
The Cougars extended their lead in the 79th minute when Adrian Rivera scored at 78:49, giving San Marcos a 3-1 advantage.
Velazquez led East Bay with the team's lone goal, while Anaya recorded a team-high three shots. Valle and Bennett Richards each added two attempts. Rodriguez finished with one save in 31:51 of action after replacing Corona.
The Pioneers finished with 13 shots, including six on goal, while San Marcos recorded 15 shots and four on target. East Bay held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks, including seven in the second half.
East Bay showed its ability to generate offensive opportunities throughout the match, particularly in the opening half and on second-half set pieces. The Pioneers will look to build on those attacking moments as they continue their CCAA schedule.
