LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's soccer team had its chances, but came up short in its California Collegiate Athletic Association opener against Sonoma State.

 

The Golden Eagles fell behind early and were unable to get even in a 1-0 loss to the Seawolves Friday night at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A. (3-1, 0-1) lost for the first time this season, while Sonoma State (2-3, 1-0) got its conference schedule off to a good start.

 

Sonoma State got the only goal of the game in the 16^th minute on a goal by Ali Cheadle, who knocked in a corner kick by Lindsay Catton.

 

Cal State L.A. had a 13-5 edge in shots, with many sailing just wide or high. The Golden Eagles had a 7-2 advantage in the second half and had a pair of golden chances come up empty.

 

The first came when Christine Duff boomed a free kick that curved out of the reach of Sonoma State goalie Courtney Grixti and clanked off the goalpost.

 

The other came when an apparent goal by Christine Buenrostro was waved off by an offside call.

 

Khadijah Greenwood also had an opportunity after running down a through pass from Hana Kaba, but her shot sailed high over the post.

 

In the waning seconds, Erika Prado had a great individual effort to send a cross into the box, but Sonoma State's defense weathered the storm and Grixti, who made three saves, posted the shutout.

 

Sonoma State had the edge at the start of the game and the pressure paid off when Cheadle's goal gave the Seawolves the lead. Sonoma State had a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks, three of them coming in the early stages of the opening half.

 

Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a home game against Humboldt State at 3 p.m.