LOS ANGELES — Jose Mariscal scored two second-half goals, including the game-winner in the 79th minute, to lift Cal State LA to a 2-1 victory over Cal State San Marcos Saturday at University Stadium and secure the Golden Eagles a berth in the CCAA Men's Soccer Tournament.
Mariscal entered the match at halftime and needed less than eight minutes to make his presence felt. Allan Rosales set up his first goal at the 52:44 mark, giving Cal State LA a 1-0 lead following a scoreless opening half. Rosales intercepted a clearing try and touched the ball to Mariscal for the finish.
Cal State San Marcos pulled even in the 74th minute when Matthew Ibarra scored off an assist from Cisco Avila, but Mariscal quickly delivered again.
Just 4:42 after the tying goal, Angel Sandres found Mariscal for his second goal of the match. The decisive highlight-reel strike put Cal State LA back in front, 2-1, with 11:37 remaining. Sandres crossed the pass into the box just in front of the goalkeeper and Mariscal knocked it in with a no-look back-heel touch.
Mariscal nearly completed a hat trick in the 84th minute, but Cal State San Marcos goalkeeper Yoel Vazquez made the save. The Golden Eagle forward finished with two goals on five shots, placing three attempts on target during his 45 minutes of action.
Cal State LA improved to 12-0-1 overall and 7-0-1 in CCAA play, remaining unbeaten through its first 13 matches. Cal State San Marcos fell to 7-4-1 overall and 4-3 in conference action.
The Golden Eagles generated several opportunities before halftime but were unable to break through. Rosales, Diego Ceja and Saad Faiz each forced saves during the final nine minutes of the opening period.
Cal State LA intensified its attack after the break, recording nine shots and scoring twice. The Golden Eagles finished with a 15-10 advantage in total shots and put 11 attempts on goal.
Rosales collected three shots on goal and an assist, while Sandres earned the assist on Mariscal's game-winner. Goalkeeper Abraham Ramirez made four saves to earn the victory.
Mariscal's second-half brace allowed the Golden Eagles to remain undefeated and officially punch their ticket to the CCAA Tournament after a late result in Carson as Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State East Bay played to a draw.
