LOS ANGELES -- No. 25 Cal State LA suffered its first loss of the season Friday, falling to No. 2 Cal Poly Pomona, 2-0, in a nationally ranked conference matchup at University Stadium.
The Golden Eagles moved to 3-1-2 overall and 0-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play. Cal Poly Pomona remained unbeaten at 4-0-2 and opened conference play at 1-0.
The matchup featured two nationally ranked programs in the latest IWSOC Coaches Poll in partnership with United Soccer Coaches, with Cal Poly Pomona ranked second and Cal State LA ranked 25th.
Cal Poly Pomona applied pressure during the opening half and took the lead in the 26th minute. Charlie Gallardo scored at the 25:42 mark following assists from Angelina Santana and Sabine Ramos.
The Broncos extended their advantage in the 36th minute when Carly Radke converted an opportunity set up by Bailey Guerrero to make it 2-0.
Goalkeeper Kendyl Sumlin kept the Golden Eagles within reach by making four first-half saves. She stopped two shots from Radke and attempts by Braedyn Kincade and Allison Bravo.
Cal State LA responded with an improved performance after halftime. The Golden Eagles earned four second-half corner kicks while limiting Cal Poly Pomona to two shots over the final 45 minutes.
Cal State LA nearly cut the deficit in half in the 60th minute. Maitland Kohoutek struck the right post, and Alina Valdez followed with a shot on goal that Cal Poly Pomona goalkeeper Parker LaMont saved.
The Golden Eagles continued to push forward and earned four corner kicks during the final nine minutes, but the Broncos protected their advantage to secure the shutout.
Cal Poly Pomona finished with a 12-3 advantage in shots and an 8-1 edge in shots on goal. Cal State LA held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Valdez led the Golden Eagles with two shots, including the team's lone attempt on goal. Kohoutek recorded Cal State LA's other shot.
Sumlin played all 90 minutes and finished with six saves. LaMont made one save for Cal Poly Pomona.
The Golden Eagles return to action Sunday at Cal State Monterey Bay starting at 11 a.m.
