SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team fell 3-0 to Cal State Monterey Bay on Sunday afternoon at Cardinale Stadium. Despite generating 15 shots and putting five on target, the Pioneers were unable to break through against the Otters as East Bay moved to 2-11-4 overall and 2-6-3 in CCAA play.
East Bay opened the match with several early opportunities, recording five shots in the opening 10 minutes. Alejandro Zarate forced a save from Monterey Bay goalkeeper Griffin Welch in the third minute, while Jefferson Parada and Bennett Richards also generated attempts as the Pioneers looked for an early advantage.
The Otters responded with opportunities of their own, but East Bay goalkeeper Edwin Rodriguez made saves in the fourth and 16th minutes to keep the match scoreless.
Richards added another shot on goal in the 26th minute, forcing a save from Welch as the Pioneers continued to look for the opening goal.
Monterey Bay broke through in the 41st minute when Aziah Nelson scored at 40:11 off an assist from Angad Bains, giving the Otters a 1-0 advantage entering halftime.
East Bay continued to generate opportunities in the second half, with Zarate forcing another save in the 46th minute. The Pioneers also earned three corner kicks during the opening minutes of the second half.
Monterey Bay extended its lead in the 59th minute when Bains scored at 58:34 off assists from Josh Moll and Cameron Fisk to make it 2-0.
The Pioneers continued to push forward, with Julian Valle forcing a save in the 64th minute and Zarate adding another shot on goal in the 66th. Misael Meza nearly found the back of the net in the 73rd minute, but his attempt struck the crossbar.
The Otters added their final goal in the 76th minute when Nelson scored his second of the match at 75:41, extending the lead to 3-0. East Bay was later reduced to 10 players following a red card issued to Alexis Villanueva Zavala at 82:25.
Zarate led East Bay with four shots, including three on goal, while Parada and Richards each recorded three attempts. Valle and Kiichi Murakami added two shots apiece.
Rodriguez played all 90 minutes in goal, recording seven saves. The Pioneers finished with 15 shots, including five on target, while Monterey Bay recorded 24 shots and 10 on goal. East Bay also earned five corner kicks.
The Pioneers continued to challenge the Monterey Bay defense throughout the afternoon, generating 15 shots and five corner kicks despite the result. East Bay will look to carry that attacking effort forward as it continues its CCAA schedule.
