ATHERTON, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team fell 4-1 to Menlo in CCAA action Friday at Wunderlich Field. The result moved the Pioneers to 1-6-2 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play.
Menlo established an early advantage with three goals in the opening half. Sam Archer opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Liam Brittenstam added another in the 16th. Tim Schwarz extended the lead in the 28th minute to send the Pioneers into halftime trailing 3-0.
East Bay continued to create chances despite the early deficit. Julian Valle put a pair of shots on goal during the first half, while the Pioneers finished the opening period with six total shots and two corner kicks.
Menlo added to its advantage shortly after halftime, with Hugo Few scoring in the 49th minute. The Pioneers continued to push forward, generating six more shots and four corner kicks during the second half.
East Bay broke through in the 77th minute. Alexis Villanueva Zavala played a ball into the box to Bennett Richards, who finished his opportunity off the crossbar and into the net for the Pioneers' lone goal of the match.
Richards finished with two shots, including one on goal, while Valle placed both of his attempts on frame. East Bay totaled 12 shots, three shots on goal and six corner kicks.
Adan Corona faced consistent pressure in goal and recorded 10 saves, including six in the second half. Menlo finished with 27 shots and placed 14 on target.
Despite the result, East Bay continued to battle throughout the second half and found the net late through Richards. The Pioneers now turn their attention to Sunday's matchup against Fresno Pacific at the Oakland Roots Training Facility in Alameda. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
