LOS ANGELES — Felix Alverdale scored twice and Angel Sandres contributed to three goals as Cal State LA remained unbeaten with a dominating 4-1 victory over UC Merced Sunday at University Stadium.
The No. 1 ranked Golden Eagles improved to 8-0-1 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play. UC Merced fell to 2-3-3 overall and 1-3 in conference action.
Cal State LA dominated the contest, peppered UC Merced with 31 shots and placing 16 attempts on goal. The Golden Eagles limited the Bobcats to one second-half shot and held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. The 31 shots in a match is the most by the Golden Eagles in at least 14 years and the most since 39 in a match on Oct. 16, 1985 vs. Loyola Marymount.
Alverdale put Cal State LA ahead in the fifth minute, finishing an opportunity set up by Sandres. He struck again just over three minutes later, scoring an unassisted goal to give the Golden Eagles an early 2-0 advantage. The junior from Varnamo, Sweden also had a goal and an assist in Friday's win over Stanislaus State.
UC Merced cut the lead in half in the 22nd minute when Erlin Gomez scored off an assist from Omar Garcia. Cal State LA continued to generate chances throughout the opening half, taking 19 shots and forcing Bobcats goalkeeper Angel Joaquin to make six saves.
The Golden Eagles restored their two-goal cushion shortly after halftime. Geovanni Antuna set up Sandres for a goal in the 49th minute, pushing the lead to 3-1.
Cal State LA maintained its pressure throughout the second half and added a final goal in the 86th minute. Sandres supplied his second assist of the match, finding Jose Mariscal for the goal that completed the 4-1 victory.
Alverdale finished with six shots and three attempts on goal, while Sandres recorded a goal, two assists and three shots on target. Saad Faiz and Mariscal added four shots apiece.
Abraham Ramirez made two saves in goal for the Golden Eagles. Joaquin finished with 12 saves, including two LA penalty kick tries, for UC Merced.
