LOS ANGELES – The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team battled unbeaten Cal State LA on Friday evening, coming from behind to level the match in the second half before falling 2-1 at University Stadium. The result moved the Pioneers to 2-8-3 overall and 2-3-2 in CCAA play.
East Bay created opportunities early, with Misael Meza putting a shot on goal in the second minute before Guilherme Azevedo sent an attempt over the crossbar in the seventh. Cal State LA broke through in the 10th minute when Felix Alverdale scored off assists from Angel Sandres and Oscar Haglund to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
The Pioneers continued to push forward throughout the opening half. Bennett Richards forced a save in the 13th minute, while Azevedo put another attempt on frame in the 42nd. East Bay finished the first half with five shots, including three on goal, but entered halftime trailing 1-0.
East Bay remained within striking distance after the break as goalkeeper Adan Corona made several key saves to keep the deficit at one. The Pioneers eventually found the equalizer in the 71st minute when Jefferson Parada converted a penalty kick at 70:07, leveling the match at 1-1.
With the score tied, both sides continued to battle for the go-ahead goal. Cal State LA regained the lead in the 81st minute when Sandres scored off assists from Luc Soler and Ignacio Moreno, putting the Golden Eagles ahead 2-1.
East Bay was unable to find another equalizer in the closing minutes as Cal State LA held on for the one-goal victory.
Parada led the Pioneer attack with three shots, including two on goal and the team's lone goal. Azevedo also recorded three shots, placing one on frame, while Meza and Richards each contributed a shot on goal.
Corona played all 90 minutes in goal for East Bay, finishing with eight saves. The Pioneers recorded eight shots, placing five on goal, while Cal State LA finished with 21 shots and 10 on target. The Golden Eagles also held a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.
The Pioneers responded to an early deficit with Parada's second-half penalty kick to bring the match level before Cal State LA scored the deciding goal in the closing minutes. East Bay will look to build on its effort as it continues its CCAA road schedule.
