LOS ANGELES – It took a perfectly-hit shot to beat Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team on Sunday and that's exactly what UC San Diego got.
 
The Golden Eagles surrendered one of the few chances in a game dominated by solid defense and the Tritons converted late for a 1-0 win in a California Collegiate Athletic Association game at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State L.A. (6-2-1, 4-2 CCAA) fell out of a share of first place in the CCAA with the loss while UC San Diego (4-4-3, 2-2-2 CCAA) snapped a two-game losing streak.
 
There were periods of fairly heavy rain in the first half, but the skies cleared a bit later in the game.
 
The only goal of the game came in the 88^th minute via a perfect strike by UC San Diego's Nick Palano, who accepted a lengthy cross from Zachary Lagotta and drilled a one-touch shot just inside the far post for his first goal of the season.
 
The game was a real battle between two of the top teams in the conference and it figured to be low-scoring. Cal State L.A. and UC San Diego have had some quality matches in recent years, including a 1-1 draw in a first-round NCAA playoff game last season. Cal State L.A. advanced on penalty kicks and went on to win their second NCAA West Region championship in four years.
 
On Sunday, Cal State L.A. had a 12-8 edge in shots, but the Golden Eagles had trouble finding the target. Most of their best chances went high or wide and UC San Diego goalkeeper Cameron McElfresh made just one save for the shutout.
 
Cal State L.A. goalkeeper Anthony Perez made three saves, including the best stop of the match in the second half when he made a diving deflection of a strong shot by Andy Sartor and then dove to cover the rebound. He later made a save on a shot by Palono from a sharp angle that was well struck.
 
Cal State L.A. had some good looks by forwards Marvin Iskra and Herbert Biste, who combined for five shots, but none that found the back of the net. Severin Porschen had a quality chance early in the second half from inside the box, but his effort sailed wide of the far post.
 
The Golden Eagles had one final corner kick in the waning seconds, but could not get off a shot.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action with a non-conference home game on Wednesday against Hawaii-Hilo beginning at 4:30 p.m.