ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team closed its 2026 season Thursday afternoon with a 2-1 loss to Cal State San Bernardino at Pioneer Stadium. The Pioneers battled back to tie the match late in the second half on a penalty kick from Kiichi Murakami, but the Coyotes responded just over a minute later to secure the victory. East Bay concluded the season with a 2-12-4 overall record and a 2-7-3 mark in CCAA play.
The Pioneers created an early opportunity in the sixth minute when Julian Valle put a shot on goal, forcing a save from San Bernardino goalkeeper Donovan Palomares. East Bay continued to push forward, earning a corner kick shortly afterward.
San Bernardino broke through in the 13th minute when Rafa Fonseca scored at 12:58 to give the Coyotes a 1-0 advantage.
East Bay looked to respond, with Bennett Richards recording a shot on goal in the 19th minute that required another save from Palomares. The Pioneers continued to generate opportunities, as Mauricio Velazquez and Richards added attempts later in the half.
The Coyotes maintained their one-goal advantage entering halftime despite East Bay recording four shots, including two on goal.
San Bernardino continued to apply pressure in the second half, but East Bay goalkeeper Adan Corona helped keep the Pioneers within striking distance. Corona recorded saves in the 57th, 59th and 68th minutes to prevent the Coyotes from extending their lead.
The Pioneers continued to search for an equalizer, with Alejandro Zarate putting a shot on goal in the 68th minute and Guilherme Azevedo forcing another save from Palomares in the 73rd minute.
East Bay finally broke through in the 85th minute when Murakami converted a penalty kick at 84:00, bringing the match level at 1-1.
However, San Bernardino regained the lead at 85:01 when Fonseca scored his second goal of the afternoon off an assist from Nevin Rueegger, giving the Coyotes a 2-1 advantage.
Murakami's goal marked East Bay's lone score of the match, while Richards led the Pioneers with two shots. Valle, Zarate, Azevedo and Murakami each recorded one shot on goal.
Corona played all 90 minutes in goal for East Bay, finishing with five saves. The Pioneers recorded eight shots, including five on goal, while San Bernardino finished with 25 shots and seven on target. Both teams earned two corner kicks.
The Pioneers continued to battle throughout the afternoon, finding a late equalizer from Murakami before San Bernardino scored the decisive goal. East Bay concluded its 2026 campaign following a competitive season finale.
