LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team put forth a strong effort, but couldn't find a victory Friday night in a California Collegiate Athletic Association battle with Cal State East Bay.

The Golden Eagles misfired on a pair of outstanding chances in the first half, came out on the wrong end of a surprising non-call early in the second half and ultimately fell to the Pioneers, 2-0, in University Stadium. Cal State LA (0-7-2, 0-2-1 CCAA) dropped its second straight conference contest, while the Pioneers (6-2-1, 3-0 CCAA) remained in a first-place tie atop the conference standings.

It was an evenly-played game with each team recording 12 shots and Cal State LA holding a 2-1 edge in corner kicks.

Once again, Cal State LA played both its outstanding young goalkeepers and both made three saves. Areli Reyes made three saves in the first half and Olivia Spanish made three saves in the second half. 

Jordan Smith made two saves for Cal State East Bay to record the shutout.

Cal State LA had two dangerous scoring chances in the first 11 minutes of the game, but was unable to cash in. Erin Schrock had the first one, racing to get to a ball in the box, but firing it just over the crossbar in the 10th minute.

Then, two minutes later, an onrushing Miyah Coleman fired a hard shot in the box, but that, too, went over the crossbar and out of play.

Both teams had stretches of possession in the opening half, but neither was able to score.

A big moment came early in the second half when Liliana Gonzalez took a hard shot toward goal that appeared to be deflected by a hand ball by a Cal State East Bay defender. No call was made, though, and the game remained scoreless.

Cal State East Bay cashed in on a dangerous chance in the 59th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Kylie Newman sent in a long-range shot that was on its way to the top corner, but Spanish was able to jump up and deflect the ball to keep it out. The rebound, though, was promptly headed in by Kelsey Pena to give the Pioneers the lead.

The Pioneer appeared to be energized by their goal and took a 2-0 lead less than four minutes later. Kayla Morales touched the ball to Pena, who sent a pass toward the far post where Riley Spitzer was able to head it in for the goal.

Cal State LA tried to push the pace over the remainder of the game, but Cal State East Bay's defense remained solid and maintained its shutout.

Shelby Melin led the Golden Eagles with four shots, while Gonzalez, who had a strong performance for the Golden Eagles, had two.

Cal State LA will return to action on Sunday with a home game against Stanislaus State.