LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team picked up another big win over a top-ranked opponent Sunday in a California Collegiate Athletic Association matchup with Chico State.
The Golden Eagles got a sensational second-half goal from
Lauren Sanchez and beat the Wildcats, 1-0, at University Stadium. Cal State LA (5-1, 2-0 CCAA) won its third straight game and the victories have come against No. 9 Western Washington, No. 17 Stanislaus State and a Chico State team that was receiving votes in the latest national poll and was picked to finish third in the conference this season.
It was quite a weekend for Sanchez, who also had what turned out to be the game-winning goal on Friday against Stanislaus State. On Sunday,
Irma Pinzon set up the goal with a brilliant run into the box, where she lofted a cross toward the goal. Sanchez jumped up and headed a spectacular shot inside the near post for the only score of an entertaining game.Â
It was a spectacular day for goalkeepers, too, and both sides saw near-certain goals denied by outstanding saves. Cal State LA's
Amanda Leal had the first one, in the ninth minute, when she made an unbelievable kick save to thwart a bid by Chico State's Chloe King.
Not to be outdone, Chico State's Victoria Graham kept the game tied when she made a diving deflection of a bid by Sanchez later in the first half. Sanchez drilled a shot from the top of the box that seemed certain to go in until Graham made the incredible stop.
King had Chico State's last big scoring chance in the waning minutes, but sent a free kick from just outside the box high over the crossbar.
Cal State LA had a 14-10 edge in shots, while Chico State had a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Graham made five saves for the Wildcats, while Leal made three saves for the Golden Eagles.
Cal State LA will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
