LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's men's soccer team came up just short Thursday in a battle between nationally-ranked teams.

The No. 18 Golden Eagles were unable to come all the way back from a 2-0 deficit and fell to No. 4 Simon Fraser, 2-1, in a non-conference matchup between two of the West Region's top programs. Cal State LA (2-1) allowed its first two goals of the season, while Simon Fraser (3-0) remained unbeaten in three matches against Southern California opponents.

After trailing at halftime, 1-0, the Golden Eagles were much more aggressive in the second half and had some good opportunities against a solid Simon Fraser defense. Cal State LA scored its only goal of the game in the 85th minute following some sustained pressure and had a late free kick get cleared away that sealed the game.

Cal State LA had a 12-6 advantage in shots, including a 7-2 edge in the second half. The Golden Eagles also had the game's only corner kick.

Cal State LA's Alexander Brems made four saves, while Simon Fraser's Luciano Trasolini made three stops.

Cal State LA had the first chance of the game when Robin Lindahl pounced on a pass back to Trasolini, but his shot under duress went just wide in the second minute of the game. Simon Fraser weathered some strong play by the Golden Eagles early in the contest and began to sustain ball control as the half went on. The Clan's Matteo Polisi opened the scoring when he rifled in a shot after a nifty pass from Mamadi Camara in the 29th minute.

That was the only score of the first half and a resurgent Cal State LA squad had an outstanding chance early in the second half when Tim Klefisch dribbled in the box and sent a beautiful pass to Breki Einarsson right in front of the goal. Einarsson, though, appeared to stumble as he was trying to shoot and Trasolini was able to pounce on the ball at the doorstep.

Simon Fraser made it 2-0 in the 61st minute and once again Camara did some heavy lifting. He was able to dribble into the box to the left of the goal and sent back a pass that was deflected by a defender, but went right to Rahid Raheim, who didn't miss on a perfect shot inside the far post.

Cal State LA cut the deficit in half in the 85th minute. David Elizaga dribbled down the right side and into the box and slid a beautiful pass to Daniel Simonis, who knocked it in an open net to cut the margin to 2-1.

Cal State LA had one final opportunity in the final minute following a Simon Fraser foul, but was unable to get a shot directed toward goal.

Leonardo Nogueira had a team-high three shots for the Golden Eagles.

The Golden Eagles will return to action on Saturday with a road game at Concordia-Irvine.