Postgame Interview

TURLOCK -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team was unable to complete a miraculous run through the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament.

The Golden Eagles, the No. 6 seeds, reached their second title game in the past three years, but fell short to No. 1 seed UC San Diego, 2-0, Sunday at Stanislaus State's Warrior Field. Cal State LA (7-9-3) beat No. 3 seed Cal State San Bernardino, 2-0, in the first round on Tuesday before advancing past No. 2 Sonoma State on penalty kicks on Friday. The Golden Eagles suffered some injuries and misfortune along the way, but still put up a valiant effort on Sunday.

The Golden Eagles allowed a goal in the first six minutes of the game and had to fight an uphill battle the rest of the way. Cal State LA also had to battle through a bit of misfortune during a key stretch in the first half that dramatically changed the game.

After UC San Diego (18-2) scored just 5:47 into the game when Kiera Bocchino notched her eighth goal of the season from right in front after a big-time assist from Jordyn McNutt, the Golden Eagles just missed on a potential equalizer in the 16th minute. Zarette Munoz-Aguilar struck a beautiful shot from outside the box that unfortunately struck the far post instead of going into the net to tie it.

Then, after UC San Diego made it 2-0 after a shot from Elisa Martinez deflected off a Cal State LA defender and into the net, Victoria Arredondo was sent free into the UC San Diego box after a pass from Marie Lou Larose and seemed to be fouled in the box, but there was no whistle. Play continued and Cal State LA was denied a chance to cut the lead in half.

Cal State LA's defense did a nice job over the final 73 minutes of the game of limiting UC San Diego's opportunities. Adriana Maldonado made five saves, including three in the second half, although Cal State LA's defense made sure the bulk of UC San Diego's shots were taken from distance.

Tatiana Zuvic made a key play early in the second half, clearing the ball off the line following a UC San Diego corner kick.

UC San Diego finished with a 16-6 edge in shots and a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. Cal State LA stayed dangerous throughout the match thanks to some outstanding play in the midfield from Munoz-Aguilar and inspired play from Marie Lou Larose and Arredondo.

The result marked the final games for Cal State LA seniors Veronika Steen, Danielle Telles and Jennifer Torres.

Munoz-Aguilar, Telles and Maldonado were all named to the CCAA All-Tournament Team. It was the second All-Tournament award for Telles, who also made the all-tourney team when Cal State LA won the championship in 2014.

The Golden Eagles also made sure to send a shout-out to freshman Kimberly Mendez, who is recuperating back in Southern California.