CARSON -- Cal State LA's men's soccer team used a tremendous second-half performance to win the battle between nationally-ranked teams vying for the California Collegiate Athletic Association lead.
The No. 8 Golden Eagles scored three times in less than 13 minutes to break open a scoreless tie and beat No. 13 Cal State Dominguez Hills, 3-0, Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park Field #3. The win gives Cal State LA (9-2-1, 7-0 CCAA) sole possession of first place in the CCAA with four conference games remaining. The Golden Eagles handed the Toros (8-2-1, 6-1 CCAA) their first conference loss of the season.
Cal State LA extended its conference winning streak to 13 and its conference unbeaten streak to 21, dating back to 2018. The Golden Eagles went 10-0-1 while winning the CCAA championship in 2019.
Cal State LA won its seventh straight game this season and its sixth straight by shutout. The Golden Eagles have surrendered only one goal in seven conference matches.
The game against the Toros was scoreless into the 72nd minute when a big strike from
Eduardo Castellanos opened the scoring. Castellanos scored on a free kick for his first goal of the season and the second of his Cal State LA career.
The Golden Eagles made it 2-0 just three minutes later on a beautiful goal by
Gonzalo Talavera. Castellanos picked up an assist on the goal, as did
Jorge Orellana. Talavera finished the play with a header into the net for his first goal of the season.
Lucas Rosales made it 3-0 for the Golden Eagles in the 85th minute.
Daniel Yu started the play with a steal and got the ball to Rosales in the middle of the field and he hit a left-footed shot inside the far post for his second goal of the season.
Alvaro Unanua had another strong performance and made two saves for his ninth shutout of the season. He entered the week tied for second in the nation with eight shutouts.
Cal State LA had a 12-10 advantage in shots, including a big 10-2 edge in shots on goal. The Golden Eagles also had a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Cal State LA will return to action on Sunday with a road game at Cal State Monterey Bay.
