LOS ANGELES – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team moved back into a tie for first in the California Collegiate Athletic Association with a victory Friday night over conference newcomer Cal State San Marcos.
 
The Golden Eagles recorded their fifth shutout of the season with a 1-0 victory over the Cougars at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A. (6-1-1, 4-1 CCAA) won for the sixth time in its last seven games and pulled into a tie for first in the conference with Cal State Stanislaus.
 
Joshua Cortez scored his third goal of the season in the 58^th minute for the game's only score. Cal State L.A.'s defense was strong and goalkeeper Anthony Perez made three saves for the victory.
 
Cal State San Marcos (3-4-2, 1-3-1 CCAA) got an outstanding performance from its defense as well and goalkeeper Zach Sheppard made seven saves, including three spectacular stops from close-range in the first half to keep the game scoreless.
 
There was nothing Sheppard could do, however, on the scoring play. It started when defender Kaan Gultoprak made a sensational run with the ball beginning on the Golden Eagles' half of the field and carrying to the Cougars' end. From there, Gultoprak sent a pass to Tobias Tobrant, who deftly sent it to an onrushing Cortez, who buried the shot inside the near post.
 
Cortez, who scored a pair of goals in the Golden Eagles' last home game – a 2-0 win over Humboldt State on Sept. 20 – now shares the team lead in goals scored with Troy Dumlao.
 
Cal State L.A. had a 15-11 edge in shots and a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Cortez and Herbert Biste had three shots each for the Golden Eagles, while Louie Farfan had a match-high four shots for the Cougars. Marvin Iskra, Steven Eberle and Gultoprak had two shots each for Cal State L.A.
 
The Golden Eagles had some glorious chances in the first half, only to see Sheppard deny a pair of shots midway through the period that seemed like certain goals. Cortez had a point-blank attempt that Sheppard came out of his crease to deflect and Iskra had a similar attempt a few minutes later that ended up with the same result. Biste had a terrific chance in the first half as well that went just wide.
 
The Golden Eagles sustained good pressure in the opening minutes of the second half and were finally rewarded with the Cortez goal.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Sunday with a home game against UC San Diego at 11:30 a.m.