Box Score

LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's soccer team picked up a big victory Sunday afternoon against a top California Collegiate Athletic Association opponent.

 

The Golden Eagles got a second-half goal from Janet Mendez and made it stand up in an important 1-0 win over Chico State Sunday in Jesse Owens Stadium. Cal State L.A. (3-2-1, 1-2-1 CCAA) snapped a three-game winless string with its first conference victory.

 

The Golden Eagles had a successful weekend overall, earning a well-deserved 1-1 tie with No. 23 Cal State Stanislaus on Friday and the victory on Sunday against Chico State (2-3-1, 2-2 CCAA).

 

The game featured two excellent defenses that made scoring chances few and far between. Cal State L.A. had a slim 8-7 edge in shots and the Golden Eagles managed only two shots on goal.

 

Chico State had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks, including a 4-1 advantage in the second half.

 

Jessie Walworth had four saves for the Golden Eagles while posting her third shutout of the season. Brianna Furner had one save for Chico State.

 

After a real defensive struggle in the first half that ended with no real good offensive chances for either side, things picked up a little in the second period.

 

The Wildcats had the first two solid chances in the second period. Alyx Williams sent a header in the box toward the goal, but Walworth was able to make the save. Lisa Webster, who was a real force in the second period for the Wildcats, had a shot that hit the top of the crossbar moments later.

 

Mendez then gave the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 59^th minute with a beautiful shot. Melina Barragan sent a ball into the box and Mendez was able to win the ball, settle it, and then drill a shot into the upper corner inside the far post. It was her first goal of the season.

 

The Golden Eagles had a couple of chances to make it 2-0. Mendez sent in a dangerous cross that Lisa Ohberg had to stretch just a bit to receive and her shot went wide. Gabbi Segall also had a header from point-blank range that went over the crossbar.

 

Chico State then began a final push in the latter stages of the second half. Webster had a shot that hit the upper far post in the 71^st minute after a Cal State L.A. turnover. Webster had another long attempt from about 30 yards out that Walworth was able to save.

 

Cal State L.A.'s defense then settled down and the Golden Eagles were able to control the game for the final 10 minutes.

 

Cal State L.A. will return to action next Friday with a home game against Cal State San Bernardino.