LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team got another starring performance from senior midfielder Juan Ochoa on Friday that ended with a much-needed victory in California Collegiate Athletic Association play.

Ochoa scored twice following free kicks in a two-minute span of the second half to lead the Golden Eagles to a 2-0 win over Chico State at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A. (5-1-1, 3-1-1 CCAA) put an end to a brief two-match winless strike and pulled to within one point of the South Division lead.

Chico State (5-2, 3-2 CCAA) slipped from first to fourth with the loss.

Ochoa now leads the Golden Eagles with three goals and nine points.

Cal State L.A. settled into the match after a challenging start and got all the offense it needed from Ochoa. Both goals came on set pieces after hard-working Halil Tozar drew Chico State fouls that led to the free kicks.

Tozar made a strong run down the left flank prior to the first goal and, staying strong on the ball despite pressure from two Chico State defenders, was eventually fouled, setting the stage for Ochoa. The returning first-team All-CCAA midfielder drilled a shot from about 24 yards out perfectly to the upper portion of the net, just inside the far post.

Then, less than two minutes later, Tozar was fouled again and this time, Daniel Rodriguez sent a pass to the middle of the field where Ochoa waited, unmarked. This time, he hit a shot that found the back of the net from outside the box.

The Golden Eagle defense took it from there and did a fine job corralling Chico State's potent attack in the second half.

Cal State L.A. had a 14-10 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 edge in the second half. Chico State had a slight 3-2 advantage in corner kicks. Mike Beigarten made four saves to record his third shutout of the season and the team's fifth.

Chico State goalkeeper James Stroud made seven saves.

With a fairly steady wind at its back, Chico State dictated the action for much of the first half. Cal State L.A., though, weathered an early onslaught and began to generate some chances in the latter stages of the period.

After switching sides at halftime, the Golden Eagles took advantage of the wind in the second period, played some solid defense and rode the spectacular shots from Ochoa.

Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a home game against Cal State San Bernardino at 11:30 a.m.