SANTA BARBARA -- Jose Lopez scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute and Abraham Ramirez recorded a shutout as the No. 8 Cal State LA men's soccer team defeated Westmont, 1-0, Saturday at Westmont College.
The Golden Eagles improved to 5-0 with their fifth consecutive victory, while Westmont fell to 2-4-1.
Cal State LA climbed 17 positions to No. 8 in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II national poll after being ranked No. 25 the previous week.
The Golden Eagles controlled the early stages of Saturday's contest and did not allow Westmont to attempt a shot during the opening half. Oscar Haglund and Allan Rosales each placed an attempt on goal, but Westmont goalkeeper Aidan Strickler made two saves to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
Westmont created its first opportunity shortly after the break, but Ramirez stopped Cash Anderholt's shot in the 47th minute.
Cal State LA continued to apply pressure and finally broke through at the 74:26 mark. Orlando Erazo placed a shot on target that Strickler saved, but Lopez capitalized on the ensuing opportunity and scored to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Lopez nearly added to the advantage, placing three more shots on goal over the final 16 minutes. Strickler stopped each attempt, but the Cal State LA defense protected the one-goal margin.
Ramirez made saves on Tiago Aranibar and Andrew Martinez during the final 10 minutes to secure the shutout.
Cal State LA finished with a 10-6 advantage in shots, an 8-3 edge in shots on goal and a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks. The Golden Eagles attempted seven shots and earned five corners during the second half.
Lopez led all players with four shots, placing every attempt on goal. Rosales added three shots, while Erazo, Haglund and Jose Mariscal each recorded one shot on target.
Ramirez played all 90 minutes and finished with three saves. Strickler made seven saves for Westmont.
The Golden Eagles open home conference play Friday against Cal Poly Pomona at 7 p.m.
