(LOS ANGELES) PLNU Men's Soccer held its own at No. 2 Cal State LA on Saturday night, becoming the first team this season to score against the 2021 NCAA Division II national champions.
But despite outshooting the Golden Eagles, 18-9, the Sea Lions fell on the wrong side of a 3-1 scoreline and had their three-game winning streak come to an end.
"We entered this one under difficult circumstances, having played a tough game Thursday against Cal State Dominguez Hills while LA had the day off," Head Coach
Phil Wolf said. "Nevertheless, I am proud of how the boys played. We lost to a top team that lives for the moments."
Two first-half goals from the Golden Eagles, in the 23rd and 40th minutes, gave the hosts a 2-0 halftime advantage.
The Sea Lions pushed forward in the second half in search of a way back into the game, firing off 11 shots after the halftime interval.
A neat passage of play found
Austin Lavell out wide right, before he surged in on the dribble and combined with striker
Felix Calero to get a shot off that was tipped just wide of the far post.
Juan Salazar then forced a save from a curling free kick just outside the corner of the box before
Elijah Langford scored his second goal in as many games to cut PLNU's deficit in half in the 78th minute.
Left back
Kaelele Fernandez whipped in a cross from the wing that found Langford at the near post for the freshman forward to redirect into the back of the net, ending CSULA's 437-minute shutout streak to start the season.
But the Golden Eagles responded immediately, drawing a penalty kick just 33 seconds later and converting beyond an outstretched
Finn Simmersbach, who guessed correctly.
The Sea Lions continued to push forward, with
Gael Ruiz intercepting an errant pass and requiring a quality save from the opposing goalkeeper. PLNU then picked up the loose ball before
Niko Kaczmarczyk had his shot from distance swatted wide.
However, CSULA managed to maintain its two-goal lead until the final whistle was blown.
"Unfortunately, our football could not overcome a team built to win games," Wolf said. "We wish them all the best, as I am sure they will have a successful season."
Point Loma (3-3 overall) will conclude its non-conference schedule on Wednesday with an away game at Cal State San Marcos. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
