LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's soccer team saved its best for last on Sunday at Jesse Owens Track.
Liz Franco scored an unassisted goal in double overtime to lift the Golden Eagles to a 1-0 victory over Grand Canyon. Cal State L.A. (7-4-1) has had its last three games go into overtime and is 2-0-1 in those contests.
The Golden Eagles had a 28-6 edge in shots over Grand Canyon (2-9-2), but Antelope goalie Ruth Nsubuga made nine saves to keep her team in it.
Cal State L.A. had a 14-3 edge in shots in the second half, including a penalty kick by
Amber de Seriere that sailed wide in the 51
st minute. The Golden Eagles also had an 8-1 in the two overtime periods.
It took some hard work by Franco to end the scoreless battle. Franco dribbled toward the Antelope goal under duress, was stood up by a Grand Canyon defender, but she was able to block a clearing attempt, control the ball and shoot it past Nsubuga from inside the box for the win.
Reyna Coca made three saves to post her sixth shutout of the season for the Golden Eagles.
Both teams had excellent chances to score in the second half. After de Seriere's penalty shot sailed wide, the Golden Eagles had a header by
Kastidi Robles go off the crossbar after a free kick by de Seriere. Khadijah Greewood centered to
Dana Menard, who got off a shot that sailed over the crossbar with 20 minutes remaining.
Grand Canyon's best chance came after a nice pass from Keeley Cisneros to Lindsey Countryman, but her bid for a goal went wide of the goal with 17 minutes to go. Then, with 10 minutes to go,
Christine Duff got off a hard shot from in close that Nsubaga was able to corral with some help from a defender.
Amanda Matthews created a strong chance in the first overtime for the Golden Eagles, but her shot went wide with three minutes to go.
Franco took advantage of her final chance of the game and picked up her first goal of the season.
Cal State L.A. will resume CCAA action with a home game against conference-leading UC San Diego on Friday.
