LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team had to dig deep for a crucial early-season California Collegiate Athletic Association victory.
 
The defending conference champions, after a disappointing loss on Friday, knew they couldn't afford an 0-2 start in CCAA play and the Golden Eagles got a goal from Halil Tozar in the second overtime to knock off No. 5 Chico State, 1-0, Sunday at Jesse Owens Track.
 
Cal State L.A. (5-2, 1-1 CCAA) and Chico State (5-2-1, 0-2 CCAA), both CCAA and NCAA Tournament qualifiers a year ago, locked up in an exceptional defensive battle on Sunday with fast-paced action throughout. The Golden Eagles had a 15-14 edge in shots and a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks and the match was every bit as even as the statistics would indicate.
 
The Golden Eagles had the two best scoring chances in the first half, especially a bid by Sigifredo Torres that seemed destined for a goal, only to strike the far post and bounce harmlessly away.
 
Marvin Iskra pounced on a Chico State turnover late in the first half and sent a shot just over the crossbar from a reasonable distance.
 
The Wildcats had a golden opportunity in the 63^rd minute, but Cal State L.A. goalkeeper Mike Beigarten made a diving deflection to deny a bid from Chico State's Joachim Gasmi.
 
Chico State had an 11-10 advantage in shots during regulation, including an 8-5 edge in the second half.
 
But Cal State L.A. generated some better pressure in the overtime periods. In the first extra session, Herbert Biste had two scoring bids and Abel Teferi sent a shot high. Chico State had a shot by Jeff Pereira from distance saved by Beigarten.
 
Then, early in the second overtime, Tozar made the game-deciding play. He was able to control the ball and make a strong move between defenders before sending a shot toward the goal that deflected off a Chico State defender and snuck into the net. It was Tozar's fourth goal of the season and he now shares the team lead in that category.
 
Torres and Jordan Payne had three shots each for the Golden Eagles, while Justin Saul had four shots for the Wildcats.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Friday with its first road game of the season at Cal State Dominguez Hills at 7 p.m.