LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team put up quite a battle Sunday, but couldn't put an end to defending California Collegiate Athletic Association champion UC San Diego's lengthy winning streak.
The Golden Eagles held the Tritons off the scoreboard in the first half, but a questionable penalty kick opened the gates and UC San Diego went on to a 3-0 victory at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State LA (4-2-2, 2-1-1 CCAA) lost for the first time in four conference matches, while UC San Diego (7-2, 4-0 CCAA) won its 18th consecutive regular-season conference match.
UC San Diego had a 25-8 edge in shots, although Cal State LA's defense did do an admirable job of keeping most of those shots from distance.
Adriana Maldonado made a season-high eight saves, while UC San Diego goalie Angelica Ramos made five saves for the Tritons.
Ashli Villalobos had two of the Golden Eagles' eight shots, while
Meranda Salazar,
Holly Abdelkader,
Jazmin Smith,
Tatiana Zuvic,
Victoria Arredondo and
Adyson Willett also had shots.
Mary Reilly had a match-high six shots for UC San Diego, while Jordyn McNutt had five.
The game was scoreless until the 52nd minute when UC San Diego was awarded a generous penalty kick after some contact in the box. McNutt didn't miss and gave the Tritons a 1-0 lead.
There was no dispute on the Tritons' other two goals. Reilly set up McNutt for her second goal of the game with a strong run and perfectly-placed pass on the ground to an onrushing McNutt, who shot to an open far post for her third goal of the season.
The Golden Eagles pressed to try to make it a one-goal game, but UC San Diego's defense was stout. The Tritons made it 3-0 in the 86th minute on a perfect shot from just inside the box over the outstretched arms of Maldonado, off the crossbar and in. Summer Bales had the assist.
Cal State LA's best chance probably came courtesy of a hard shot from Salazar in between UC San Diego's first two goals, but Ramos made a diving stop to preserve the lead.
Cal State LA will return to action on Friday, Oct. 6, at Cal State Monterey Bay.
