LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team made certain its 2007 season opener would be an enjoyable one.

 

The Golden Eagles jumped out to a 3-0 first-half lead and went on to a 5-0 win over Saint Martin's Thursday night at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A., ranked 17^th in the nation in the NSCAA preseason poll, got a pair of goals from newcomer John Massaquoi and a goal by returning All-American Morten Marthinsen in the opening half to take control of the contest.

 

Jason Swope and Patrick Thurston added second-half goals for the Golden Eagles. Goalkeeper Tobias Hummel made four saves in goal for Cal State L.A. to record the shutout.

 

The Golden Eagles enjoyed a 22-4 edge in shots. T.J. Young made five saves for the Saints.

 

After Marthinsen and Kyle Hewitt just missed on early scoring chances in the first few minutes, Massaquoi, a junior transfer from El Camino Junior College, scored in the 18^th minute to put the Golden Eagles ahead. Massaquoi got to a pass from Thurston in the box and knocked it past Young to give Cal State L.A. the lead.

 

The Golden Eagles made it 2-0 in the 23^rd minute when Marthinsen scored with an assist from Kyle Hewitt. Marthinson, in the right side of the box, shot a perfectly-placed ball into the left corner of the net.

 

Massaquoi made it 3-0 with an assist from Marthinsen, eluding the goalkeeper and putting a shot into an empty net.

 

Swope scored in the 54^th minute to make it 4-0 with assists from Thurston and Rufino Franco.

 

Saint Martin's had its best chance shortly thereafter, but Hummel made a diving save to deny Vlad Voin from point-blank range.

 

The Golden Eagles completed the scoring in the 87^th minute with a beautiful goal. Thurston headed in a cross from Ruben Hansen into the upper right corner of the net.

 

Cal State L.A. will return to action on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at home against Cal State San Marcos.