Box Score
LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's soccer team was locked in a gripping scoreless tie with Chico State that had plenty of end-to-end action, but no goals.
Heather Williams and Amalia Arvidsson changed all that, though, in the 72nd minute, combining for the lone goal in a 1-0 Cal State L.A. victory. The Golden Eagles (3-3-1, 1-3-1 CCAA) snapped a four-match winless streak with the victory.
Cal State L.A. had an 11-7 advantage in shots and all four of the game's corner kicks.
Chico State goalkeeper Brianna Furner made six saves for the Wildcats, while Yi Du made five saves in goal in her first start for Cal State L.A.
Du made a key save in the 55th minute, tipping a shot by Chico State's Carly Singer over the crossbar. The resulting corner kick by Chico State was cleared by the Golden Eagles.
The Golden Eagles were finally rewarded in the 72nd minute thanks to a pair of spectacular efforts from Williams and Arvidsson. Williams got the play started with a strong and speedy run down the right sideline, eventually getting enough open space to send in a cross on the ground toward the middle of the box.
Arvidsson took it from there, expertly re-directing the ball just inside the far post for the game's only goal.
The goal was Arvidsson's team-leading fifth of the season.
Down 1-0, the Wildcats pushed for the equalizer, but Cal State L.A. did an admirable job of pinning Chico State deep in its zone. The Wildcats got a shot in the 89th minute by Lindsey Dias that was saved by Du and the Golden Eagles were able to regain control and ran most of the remaining time off the clock down in Chico State territory.
Chico State started the game strongly and had the best chance of the opening half when a big by Scotie Walker hit the crossbar. The Wildcats wound up with a corner kick in the third minute, but Singer's bid was stopped by Du.
Williams had an outstanding match for the Golden Eagles, making several dangerous runs in the Chico State end of the field. Norie Pablo also had some brilliant moments, including a point-blank shot after getting around the Chico State defense, but her bid was denied by Furner.
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a home game against Cal State San Bernardino beginning at 2 p.m.
