LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s women's soccer team made an early second-half goal stand up in a tense conference-opening victory over UC San Diego.
 
Joanna Espinoza scored with an assist from Norie Pablo just 1:55 into the second period and the Golden Eagles beat the Tritons, 1-0, at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A. (6-1-1, 1-0 CCAA) beat UC San Diego (3-3-1, 0-1 CCAA) in Los Angeles for the first time since the 2009 season.
 
The Golden Eagles and Tritons were playing for the second time this week. On Monday, Cal State L.A. fired off 31 shots in a 1-1 draw at UC San Diego. In that contest, a total of 46 shots were taken.
 
There weren't anywhere near as many scoring opportunities on Friday as the defenses tightened up near their own goals. Cal State L.A. had a 12-5 advantage in shots in the rematch on Friday.
 
The Golden Eagles had a 4-1 edge in the first half and an 8-4 advantage in the second half. Cal State L.A. also had a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
The lone goal came shortly after halftime. Espinoza notched her third goal of the season thanks to a nice pass from Pablo in the box and a perfectly-placed shot just inside the far post.
 
Cal State L.A. goalkeeper Yi Du needed to make only one save for the shutout, but it was a huge one. After UC San Diego was awarded a penalty kick late in the game, Du made a diving deflection of a shot by UC San Diego's Michelle Yasutake to preserve the lead.
 
The Tritons tried to generate some pressure down the stretch, but the Golden Eagle defense never wavered and posted its fourth shutout of the season. Jackeline Lopez, Alicia Gutierrez, Danielle Telles and Justine Telles played all 90 minutes in the back, while Krystal Kutcher, Pablo and Heather Williams also played all 90 minutes and were big in the victory.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a home game against Chico State at 2 p.m.