The Cal State LA Golden Eagles extended their undefeated streak with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Seattle Pacific University (SPU) on Sept. 11 at University Stadium.
SPU opened the match with composure, controlling possession early and putting pressure on the Golden Eagles’ back line and goalkeeper Brayden McClelland. However, Cal State LA began to settle in around the 27th minute, building momentum and testing SPU’s defense.
The Golden Eagles’ offense looked sharp, firing off eight first-half shots against SPU goalkeeper Brian Lanier. On the other end, defenders Evan Yoell (#28) and Angel Sevillano (#2) stood out with tough, clean tackles and timely clearances. A major setback came in the 29th minute when center back Emil Kishcka (#34) went down with an apparent injury and was helped off the field. Christos Efstathiou (#22) stepped in to fill the role.
In the second half, Cal State LA dominated play, outshooting SPU 5-2. The Golden Eagles had a golden opportunity to take the lead after SPU defender Nick Ramoso (#27) conceded a penalty. Midfielder Emiliano Gutierrez (#13) stepped up but narrowly missed his shot from the spot. Despite 13 total attempts, the Golden Eagles couldn’t find the back of the net.
Junior left back Geovanni Antuna (#27) acknowledged the team’s frustration with missed chances.
“Just having the chances and not putting them away,” Antuna said. “In the final third, we’re creating chances but couldn’t find the final pass. We have the players for it—we just have to find a way to put them in.”
Antuna remains confident that the result won’t derail the team’s momentum as they continue forward in the season.
“I don’t think it should affect us,” he said. “I think it should actually motivate us more. We have the tools, the coaches, and the tactics. We just need to regroup and fix the little things that can make us a better team.”
Senior midfielder Erick Alamo praised SPU as a good matchup and for putting up a tough fight.
“They were fighting a lot. It was a hard one,” Alamo said. “They were being physical. Every team plays their best against us, so we really have to bring the fight every game. They were a solid team.”
Looking ahead, Alamo said this result could serve as a valuable learning experience for the team and for the rest of the season.
“Everyone has to tie or lose to learn how to win,” he said. “We’re just going to build on it and turn the page quickly.”
Cal State LA (now 3-0-1) will continue its homestand and look to stay unbeaten when it hosts Western Washington (0-2-1) at University Stadium on Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.
