CHICO — Cal State LA's women's soccer team completed a perfect road trip with its second consecutive shutout victory, defeating Chico State, 1-0, Sunday at University Soccer Stadium.
Itzel Carbajal scored the game's only goal in the 10th minute, while goalkeeper Kendyl Sumlin and the Golden Eagle defense made the early advantage stand for the remaining 80 minutes.
Cal State LA improved to 5-2-4 overall and 2-2-2 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play. Chico State, which entered the contest unbeaten in conference action, fell to 4-5-2 overall and 3-1-2 in the CCAA. The Golden Eagles earned four points in the standings on a difficult Northern California road trip to Arcata and Chico.
Carbajal delivered the decisive strike at the 9:33 mark. Her free kick from approximately 35 yards out sailed over Chico State goalkeeper Charlotte Mailer and bounced into the net, giving the Golden Eagles an early 1-0 lead.
Chico State produced its best chances later in the opening half, but Sumlin stopped a pair of shots from Makayla Quesada in the 19th and 24th minutes. The Wildcats also hit the post in the 27th minute before Cal State LA carried its one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Golden Eagle defense took control after the break and did not allow Chico State to record a shot over the final 45 minutes. Cal State LA also generated four second-half corner kicks while keeping the Wildcats away from Sumlin's goal.
Sumlin made two saves while playing all 90 minutes and earned the shutout. Bailey Martinez, Alina Valdez and Carbajal also played the entire match for Cal State LA.
The Golden Eagles finished with a commanding 9-2 advantage in corner kicks. Carbajal recorded two of Cal State LA's four shots, with Celine Gehrig and Abigail Morales adding one apiece.
After earning two shutout victories away from home, Cal State LA returns from the road trip with increased momentum and five wins on the season.
