Chavez's Late Goal Lifts Cal State LA Past Biola in Season Opener
LA MIRADA -- Luna Chavez scored the game-winning goal in the 76th minute as Cal State LA opened its 2026 season with a 2-1 victory over Biola on Thursday at Al Barbour Field.
Chavez played a role in both Cal State LA goals, finishing the match with one goal and one assist. Briana Chagolla also recorded a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Kendyl Sumlin made five saves to secure the victory.
The Golden Eagles took the lead in the 17th minute when Chagolla converted an opportunity set up by Chavez. The goal sent Cal State LA into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Biola pulled even shortly after the break. Briley Phelps scored off an assist from Riley Brumfield in the 51st minute to level the contest at 1-1.
Cal State LA regained the lead at the 75:41 mark following a corner kick. Celine Gehrig and Chagolla combined to set up Chavez, who found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner.
Biola applied pressure over the closing minutes, recording four shots after Cal State LA moved ahead. Sumlin preserved the victory with saves on Phelps in the 84th minute and Belen Cognetta in the 89th.
Biola finished with a 13-11 advantage in total shots and placed six attempts on goal compared with five for Cal State LA. The Golden Eagles generated a 6-3 edge in corner kicks, including four in the second half.
Chavez led Cal State LA with three shots and two attempts on goal. Alina Valdez added two shots, while Chagolla, Alejandra Andalon, Maitland Kohoutek, Kristin Mijares, Analise Quintero and Carisia Raygoza recorded one apiece.
The victory moved Cal State LA to 1-0 on the season, while Biola fell to 0-1. The Golden Eagles will welcome Minot State to University Stadium on Saturday in the home opener starting at 4 p.m.
