COSTA MESA, Calif. — Cal State East Bay held a second-half lead Saturday afternoon before a pair of late goals lifted Vanguard to a 3-2 win at VU Soccer Field.
Vanguard struck first in the fourth minute when Xavier Alcantar found the net to give the Lions an early 1-0 advantage.
East Bay worked its way back into the match and nearly equalized in the 32nd minute when Noel Cabrales struck the woodwork. Moments later, the Pioneers earned a penalty kick, and Jefferson Parada converted in the 33rd minute to pull East Bay even at 1-1.
The teams remained level through halftime, with Adan Corona making three saves in the opening 45 minutes.
East Bay continued looking for the go-ahead goal after the break. Julian Valle generated an attempt in the 63rd minute before Bennett Richards put a shot on target in the 77th, forcing a save.
Just 32 seconds later, the Pioneers broke through.
Valle found the net in the 77th minute to give East Bay its first lead of the afternoon at 2-1. The goal was Valle's first of the season.
Vanguard responded in the 82nd minute when Alcantar converted a penalty kick for his second goal of the match, bringing the Lions level at 2-2.
The match remained tied until the 89th minute, when Jordan Le scored to give Vanguard a 3-2 advantage.
East Bay finished with nine shots, putting three on goal. Valle recorded two shots and his first goal of the season, while Parada converted his lone attempt for his third goal of the season. Richards accounted for East Bay's other shot on goal.
Corona played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded six saves. Vanguard finished with 19 shots, nine on goal and seven corner kicks, while East Bay earned two corners.
Cal State East Bay moves to 0-5-1 on the season.
