BELLINGHAM, WA – Cal State L.A.'s men's soccer team opened its 2015 season with a hard-earned draw against one of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's contenders.
 
The Golden Eagles took a 1-0 lead on a goal early in the second half by Troy Dumlao, but Western Washington got the equalizer in the 66^th minute and the teams settled for a 1-1 tie at Harrington Field. Cal State L.A. (0-0-1), the defending NCAA Division II West Region champions, had a sizeable advantage in shots, but Western Washington's defense held firm and allowed the Vikings to get the tie.
 
Cal State L.A., ranked No. 6 in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, had an 18-7 edge in shots, including a 7-1 advantage in the first half and a 13-4 advantage in regulation.
 
Western Washington had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks and got its only goal off a set piece to knot the game.
 
Troy Dumlao and Shahin Hemat were forces for the Golden Eagles and combined for nine shots, including Cal State L.A.'s lone goal. Hemat sent a cross into the box in the 49^th minute and Dumlao headed it home to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead.
 
Western Washington, though, took advantage of one of its few opportunities in the 66^th minute. After earning a corner kick, Jeremy Wentzel delivered a ball into the box and Sawyer Preston headed it in to tie the score.
 
Dumlao had a game-high five shots for the Golden Eagles, while Hemat had four, including a late effort in the first overtime period that was blocked. Herbert Biste, Steven Eberle and Brandon Herrerias had two shots each.
 
Cal State L.A. goalkeeper Anthony Perez made one save, while Western Washington goalkeeper Tyler Visten made seven saves, including four in the second half.
 
Cal State L.A. will return to action on Saturday with a game at Saint Martin's beginning at 11:30 a.m.