LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's soccer team conceded its first goal of the season Thursday night, but had a nice comeback as a response.
The Golden Eagles got a beautiful game-tying goal from
Tim Klefisch in the 78th minute and a game-winner from
Julian Zamora 7:36 into overtime to beat Concordia-Irvine, 2-1, Thursday night at Jesse Owens Track. Cal State LA (3-0) remained unbeaten after surviving their biggest test of the young season.
Concordia (1-2) was coming off a 5-0 win over Cal State San Bernardino and the Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute thanks to a tremendous strike from Connor Gordon.
Cal State LA, though, began to find its footing in the second half and finally equalized thanks to a nifty sequence.
Steven Eberle sent a precise pass to an onrushing Klefisch, who rifled a shot from inside the box just inside the far post for his first goal of the season.
The game-winning sequence came after
David Elizaga sent a dangerous pass deep in Concordia territory.
Robin Lindahl was able to touch it away from a Concordia defender and Zamora pounced on it, eluding the Concordia goalkeeper and deftly shooting the ball into an empty net to begin the celebration.
Cal State LA had a 15-10 advantage in shots, including an 11-3 edge in the second half and overtime. The Golden Eagles also had a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Steven Barrara made five saves for the Golden Eagles, while William Whiddon had five saves for Concordia.
Zamora had a match-high four shots for the Golden Eagles.
Cal State LA had the first quality scoring chance, but Zamora's hard shot hit the post in the second minute of the game and Eberle had a good look in the 13th minute that was saved by Whiddon.
Concordia began getting some momentum and scored first on a goal from Gordon, who fired a shot in from about 20 yards out. That goal seemed to energize the Eagles, who pressured the Golden Eagles for the next 10 minutes or so until Cal State LA regrouped and finished the first half strongly.
Cal State LA upped its play in the second half and ultimately earned an important West Region win.
Cal State LA will return to action on Sunday with a match against Saint Martin's of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
