Box Score LOS ANGELES -- Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team had its hands full against UC San Diego Friday night and had to work extra in order to pull out an important California Collegiate Athletic Association victory.
Antti Arvola drilled a shot just inside the near post midway through the second overtime to lead the Golden Eagles to a 1-0 victory over UC San Diego Friday at Jesse Owens Stadium. Cal State L.A. (3-2, 2-1 CCAA), the defending CCAA and NCAA Division II West Region champions, was playing in its first home game of the 2012 season.
The game was a tight struggle throughout and played on even terms. UC San Diego (3-2, 2-1 CCAA) had a 10-9 edge in shots for the game, while Cal State L.A. had a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. Cal State L.A. goalkeeper
Waleed Cassis made four saves, while UC San Diego goalkeeper Josh Cohen made two saves.
The winning play was set up by Cal State L.A. defender
Dane Nielsen, who got to a loose ball inside midfield and lofted a deep ball into the box. The ball deflected off a UC San Diego defender and Arvola pounced, drilling a shot just inside the near post for the game-winner.
Chances were few and far between in the well-played defensive struggle, but both teams were able to get on the scoreboard before Arvola's game-winning strike.
Halil Tozar had a strong bid in the 13th minute, but Cohen made the save for the Tritons. UC San Diego had a big chance off a corner kick in the 16th minute, but Gavin Lamming's bid went just high. Cassis made a nice save on a bid by Tsuk Haroush.
UC San Diego's best chance came in the 58th minute, but Scott MacBride's hard shot from inside the box went off the crossbar.
Jordan Payne had two outstanding for the Golden Eagles, once in the second half when he rifled a shot just wide of the far post in the 71st minute and again halfway through the first overtime when his flick from in close went just over the crossbar.
Arvola's bid was the first opportunity in the second overtime and came after the Golden Eagles were able to sustain some pressure in UC San Diego's end. When Nielsen jumped on a long clearing attempt, Arvola made it worth the wait.
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a conference match at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
