LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team came up short Friday night in a big California Collegiate Athletic Association battle with Chico State.
The Golden Eagles surrendered goals early in each half and fell to the Wildcats, 2-0, in a pivotal game in University Stadium. Cal State LA (4-9-2, 4-4-1 CCAA, 13 points) is now on the outside looking in for a spot in the six-team CCAA Tournament, while Chico State (9-2-4, 5-1-3 CCAA, 18 points) is now just two points out of the conference lead. The Golden Eagles are tied for seventh, one point out of sixth place with two conference games remaining.
Both teams ended the game with 10 shots, but Chico State had a 7-3 edge in the first half and struck quickly in the second half. Cal State LA had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
Areli Reyes had a strong game in goal for the Golden Eagles, making five saves and keeping them in the game with some solid efforts. Emma Hoffman made seven saves for Chico State, which recorded its sixth consecutive shutout.
Irma Pinzon had three shots for the Golden Eagles, all of them on goal and was active throughout the contest.
Shelby Melin had two saves, including a strong chance that Hoffmann was able to deflect away for a corner kick in the second half.
The Wildcats took a 1-0 with a goal off a corner kick. Kylie Martinez sent in a perfectly-placed ball near the far post and Susanna Garcia was able to head it in from point-blank range for her sixth goal of the season.
The Wildcats made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute after Camille Lidster was able to corral a failed clearance and fire a shot from the top of the box and into the net.
Cal State LA was able to generate some pressure later in the second half, but had trouble cracking Chico State's formidable defense. Melin had a strong chance during the second half and Pinzon made a beautiful run and sent in a pass toward the near post that was just out of reach of a teammate and went out of play for a goal kick.
Cal State LA will return to action on Sunday with a match against Humboldt State on Senior Day. The Golden Eagles will honor eight seniors in pregame ceremonies.
