LA MIRADA -- A big second-half performance lifted Cal State LA's women's soccer team to an important victory in its 2019 season opener.

Ashtyn Bracamonte and Paulina Chaidez scored spectacular second-half goals to erase a 1-0 halftime deficit and the Golden Eagles edged Biola, 2-1, Thursday night at Al Barbour Field. Cal State LA (1-0) gave new head coach Erik Garcia a victory in his first game as the Golden Eagles' head coach.

Chaidez, who earned All-America honors as a freshman when she led the Golden Eagles with 10 goals and was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association's Most Valuable Offensive Player, got her junior season after giving the Golden Eagles the lead for good with a goal in the 56th minute.

Cal State LA, after surrendering a goal off a corner kick in the 27th minute, gradually began to generate some chances and ultimately earned the decision.

Cal State LA had a 9-8 advantage in shots, including a 6-3 edge in the second half. Chaidez had four of those shots, including three on net. Leslie Ramirez, Anahie Duran, Xochitl Estrada, Natalie Reynoso and Bracamonte had one shot each.

Adyson Willett and Nicolette Elliott paced a strong defensive effort and both played all 90 minutes.

Both teams had two corner kicks, including one for Biola in the waning seconds of the match.

Bracamonte tied the game in the opening minute of the second half thanks to a strong run by Jazmin Smith, who picked up the assist with a beautiful cross into the box. Bracamonte was able to knock the pass into the net just 48 seconds into the second half.

Chaidez made it 2-1 in the 56th minute when Kimberly Mendez possessed the ball and made a nice pass to Chaidez, who eluded a pair of defenders and drilled a shot from just inside the box for the game-winner. Cal State LA's defense took it from there and protected the lead.

Cal State LA will return to action on Monday at home against Concordia-Irvine at 7 p.m.