LOS ANGELES — Cal State LA scored twice in the second half to erase a halftime deficit and then held-on to defeat Stanislaus State, 2-1, Friday at University Stadium.
The victory kept the No. 1 ranked Golden Eagles unbeaten at 7-0-1 overall and improved their conference record to 2-0-1. Stanislaus State fell to 2-3-4 overall and 0-1-2 in conference play.
Cal State LA controlled much of the match, finishing with advantages of 20-3 in shots, 12-2 in shots on goal and 10-6 in corner kicks. The Golden Eagles forced Warriors goalkeeper Dylan Isasi to make 10 saves.
Despite Cal State LA's early pressure, Stanislaus State struck first in the 33rd minute. Alexis Cervantes scored on a quick-turn and shot from top of the box, off assists from Luis Saldana and Christian Brenes to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead. It was the first goal allowed by the Golden Eagles this season.
The Golden Eagles responded quickly after halftime. Felix Alverdale pulled Cal State LA even in the 50th minute, converting a chance created by Sho Toda and a beautifully placed cross by Jose Lopez.
Alverdale then helped produce the game-winner in the 65th minute, setting up Jeancarlo Alvarez for his go-ahead goal and a 2-1 advantage.
Cal State LA continued to apply pressure after taking the lead. Angel Sandres hit the crossbar in the 69th minute, while Isasi made two more saves during the closing minutes to keep Stanislaus State within striking distance.
The Golden Eagles' defense allowed only one shot in the second half. Goalkeeper Abraham Ramirez made his lone save shortly after Alvarez's go-ahead goal, stopping Emmanuel Duran's attempt in the 65th minute.
Stanislaus State made a run in the final seconds with some chances. An opportunity from a corner kick with four seconds left went wide as time expired.
Emil Kischka recorded three shots on goal for Cal State LA, while Jose Mariscal led all players with five total shots and placed four on target. Alverdale finished with a goal and an assist in 44 minutes off the bench.
Cal State LA returns to University Stadium on Sunday to host UC Merced at 11 a.m.
