LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team has found itself on the right side of several 1-0 wins over UC San Diego in recent years, but that wasn't the case on Friday night.
 
The Golden Eagles were blanked for the second time this season, 1-0, by the Tritons in the California Collegiate Athletic Association opener for both teams. What made the result even more difficult was the fact the lone goal of the game came on a penalty kick in the 75^th minute of a colossal defensive struggle.
 
Brandon Bauman did the scoring honors for the Tritons (6-2, 1-0 CCAA), who had lost five 1-0 decisions to the Golden Eagles (4-2, 0-1 CCAA) in their last six meetings. The sixth meeting was a 1-1 tie in La Jolla last season.
 
There were precious few shots in the game and neither team was able to generate any serious chances until the penalty kick gave the Tritons the only goal they would need.
 
Cal State L.A. tried to pressure late, but a bid by Andre Bissmark was blocked and a try by Abel Teferi sailed wide. Sigifredo Torres had the best chance, but his first-half shot was saved by UC San Diego goalkeeper Cameron McElfresh.
 
That was McElfresh's lone save of the game. Mike Beigarten made three saves for the Golden Eagles.
 
UC San Diego had a 7-6 edge in shots, while Cal State L.A. had a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a home game against Chico State at 11:30 a.m.