Box Score
LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's soccer team had things going its way for the opening half of Sunday's California Collegiate Athletic Association battle with No. 20 UC San Diego, but that wasn't enough for a victory.
The Golden Eagles saw UC San Diego score twice in the first eight minutes of the second half and the Tritons went on to a 3-1 win over Cal State L.A. Sunday at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A. (2-0, 2-2 CCAA) dropped its second straight conference game, while UC San Diego (3-1, 2-0 CCAA) continued its strong play away from home.
The Golden Eagles had a 17-12 advantage in shots and certainly held their own throughout the contest. UC San Diego, though, stole momentum with its two quick goals to open the second half and Cal State L.A. couldn't break through to equalize.
Kelcie Brodsky had five saves for the Tritons, while Amanda Johnson had two saves for the Golden Eagles.
Cal State L.A. struck first thanks to a beautiful goal from newcomer Shea Richards. After receiving a pass from Megan Ollar, Richards drilled a bending shot that got past a diving Brodsky and nestled into the net at the far post. It was Richards' first goal of the season.
The Golden Eagles were able to stay ahead in the first half thanks to a diving save by Johnson on a shot by Jamie Benedetto that seemed destined to find the net. UC San Diego wound up with a corner kick, but Johnson made another save on a shot by Kiera Bocchino.
The Golden Eagles had a few miscues early in the second half and UC San Diego took full advantage. Izzy Pozurama received a through pass from Cassie Callahan in the 49th minute and shot to the left corner for the equalizer.
Then, just four minutes after UC San Diego earned a corner kick following a Cal State L.A. error, Callahan hit a header to the back post to give the Tritons the lead.
Cal State L.A. was able to sustain some pressure in UC San Diego's zone after falling behind, but UC San Diego's defense was strong. The Tritons made it 3-1 in the 71st minute when Callahan got her second goal of the game with an assist from Maile Nilsson.
Down by two goals, the Golden Eagles kept up the pressure and had a glorious chance to slice the lead in half with just under a minute to play. Amalia Arvidsson was able to get to a ball before an onrushing Brodsky, but her lofted shot toward an empty net went just wide and the Tritons successfully kept its two-goal margin.
Richards had a game-high four shots, while Arvidsson and Norie Pablo had three shots each in strong efforts for the Golden Eagles.
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Friday with a road match at San Francisco State at 3 p.m.
