CHICO -- Cal State LA's men's soccer team put together another outstanding defensive effort to open California Collegiate Athletic Association play on a high note.

The Golden Eagles got a second-half goal from Tim Klefisch and limited the Wildcats to only three shots in a 1-0 victory in Chico. Cal State LA (4-1, 1-0 CCAA), ranked 20th in the nation, recorded its fourth shutout in five games.

It was another one-goal decision for the Golden Eagles over the Wildcats (2-2-1, 0-1) and the second 1-0 victory in the last three meetings. Cal State LA closed out the 2017 regular-season with a 1-0 overtime win over the Wildcats, a result that got the Golden Eagles into the conference tournament. The Golden Eagles then opened the 2018 conference schedule with a 1-0 win.

In between, the Golden Eagles rallied for a wild 4-3 win over the Wildcats in a first-round CCAA Tournament game last year in Chico. Cal State LA eventually went on to win the conference tournament and earn a spot in the NCAA playoffs.

The game was scoreless into the 64th minute on Friday when Klefisch struck for his first goal of the season. The assist went to Leonardo Nogueira on a quick counter attack. Nogueira took the ball down the right flank and got it to Klefisch, who one-timed a pass inside the near post for the only score of the game.

Cal State LA's defense was especially tight in the second half, allowing only one shot for the Wildcats and none over the final 16 minutes.

Cal State LA ended up with a 10-3 advantage in shots, 6-1 in the second half. Cal State LA goalkeeper Alexander Brems made one save for his fourth shutout, while Morten Bjoershol also had a key defensive effort. He sprinted back into an open area to clear away a shot before it had a chance to go in early in the first half.

Carlos Zarate, Robin Lindahl, Klefisch and Nogueira had two shots each, while Daniel Simonis and David Elizaga had one shot each.

Cal State LA will return to action on Sunday with a game at Stanislaus State beginning at 2 p.m. That match will be televised nationally on Eleven Sports Network USA by BAOSN.TV. 

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