Box Score CHICO – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team had some memorable games against Chico State in 2011, but it was a different story in the 2012 California Collegiate Athletic Association opener for both schools.
 
The Golden Eagles, the defending CCAA and NCAA Division II West Region champions, surrendered three first-half goals and fell to Chico State, 3-0, Friday at University Soccer Stadium. Cal State L.A. (1-2, 0-1 CCAA) had an 11-8 edge in shots, but nine of those shots came in the second half after Chico State had built its advantage.
 
The Golden Eagles also finished with a staggering 11 corner kicks, including nine in the second half, but could not convert any of them into goals.
 
Only three of Cal State L.A.'s 11 shots were on frame, all in the second half. Andy Lopez, Antti Arvola and Tyler Perez all had second-half chances that were saved by Chico State goalkeeper Sam Evans.
 
Chico State (2-1, 1-0 CCAA) scored all three of its goals in the first 37 minutes of the game.
 
Matt Hurlow broke free behind the defense and scored his first goal of the season in the 15^th minute off an assist from Luke Palmer. The Wildcats made it 2-0 in the 28^th minute when Akwafei Ajeakwa notched his second goal of the season with an assist from Luis Martinez.

Chico State got its final goal in the 37^th minute when Jordan Gorman headed home a corner kick from Ethan Story.
 
It was a bit of revenge for Chico State, which suffered its share of heartbreak last season  thanks to Cal State L.A. The Golden Eagles beat the Wildcats, 2-0, in the CCAA Championship Game and then came back in the first round of the NCAA playoffs to eliminate Chico State after rallying from a 2-0 deficit and advancing on penalty kicks.

Cal State L.A. also rallied from a late 2-0 deficit to record a 2-2 tie with the Wildcats during a regular-season game in Los Angeles.
 
This time, though, there would be no rally. Chico State snapped a 10-match winless streak against Cal State L.A. and beat the Golden Eagles for the first time since 2003. The Wildcats also won at home against the Golden Eagles for the first time since 2000.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a road match at Cal State Stanislaus.