CHICO, Calif. — Cal State East Bay men's soccer opened CCAA play with a point on the road Thursday night, answering a late Chico State goal to earn a 1-1 draw at University Soccer Stadium.
After 75 scoreless minutes, the match changed quickly down the stretch.
Chico State broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when Simon Vaca-Lorenzi converted from the penalty spot. East Bay immediately went looking for an answer, with Bennett Richards forcing a save less than three minutes later.
The Pioneers then earned a penalty of their own in the 80th minute. Alejandro Zarate's attempt was saved, keeping Chico State in front.
East Bay didn't have to wait long for another opportunity.
Less than two minutes later, the Pioneers were awarded another penalty. Jefferson Parada stepped to the spot and converted in the 82nd minute, pulling East Bay level at 1-1.
Parada nearly found another late in the match, sending an attempt just high in the 88th minute, but neither side broke the tie before the final whistle.
The late exchange followed a match that had been scoreless through the opening half. Adan Corona made two first-half saves for East Bay, while Julian Valle produced the Pioneers' lone shot on goal before halftime.
East Bay became more dangerous after the break, generating eight of its 10 shots in the second half. Zarate finished with a team-high four shots, putting two on goal, while Parada recorded two attempts and the equalizing goal. Guilherme Azevedo, Valle and Richards each put a shot on target.
Corona played all 90 minutes and made five saves. Both teams finished with 10 shots and six on goal, while Chico State held a 14-1 advantage in corner kicks.
With the draw, Cal State East Bay moves to 0-5-2 overall and 0-0-1 in CCAA play.
