The Cal State LA Golden Eagles earned a convincing 3–1 victory over the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters on Oct. 10 at University Stadium, extending their home undefeated streak to 4-0-1 and improving to 2–1 in conference play.
Cal State LA started on the front foot, controlling possession early with shots in the 2nd minute by Johnny Gonzalez (#17) and the 14th minute by Ignacio Moreno (#6). The Golden Eagles looked comfortable until the 21st minute, when Monterey Bay began to press higher and connect passes in the attacking third.
In the 25th minute, after a foul was committed inside Cal State LA’s box by left back Geovanni Antuna (#27), the Otters’ Corrales Jr. (#19) converted from the 12-yard mark to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
Moments later, head coach Michael Erush made several tactical changes that shifted the momentum. Substitutes Marcos Lipertis (#36), Erick Alamo (#8), and debutants Angel Sandres (#26) and Diego Arvizu (#12) came off the bench and immediately made an impact.
In the 37th minute, Sandres and Arvizu combined for an assist that set up Lipertis’ low finish to tie the match. Just two minutes later, Arvizu struck again, this time assisting Alamo for the go-ahead goal to put Cal State LA ahead 2–1 before halftime.
The second half opened evenly, but the Golden Eagles sealed the result in the 62nd minute. Jose Lopez (#21) sparked a counterattack that ended with Michael Sunde (#15) slotting the ball past the Otters’ keeper to make it 3–1.
Cal State LA continued to press forward, with Lipertis nearly adding another goal to his account. Arvizu and “El Niño de Oro,” Sandres were threatening in their debut, but both were denied by CSUMB goalkeeper Jerry Godfryd (#0). Defensively, the back line of Angel Sevillano (#2), Lukas Steffen (#25), Luis Soler (#24), G. Antuna (#27), and Evan Yoell (#28) held firm, keeping things organized and making goalkeeper Brayden McClelland’s (#30) job easier.
Senior center back Sevillano acknowledged the team’s rough start in the first half and the challenges posed by injuries, but praised Cal State LA’s mentality and the impact of the substitutes. “It was a little sloppy, but we’re a very good team,” said Sevillano. “We had a lot of injuries and a couple of guys sick, so it was a little hard to start the game because we were missing key players. But after this score, we just knew that we’re LA. We have to win this game, and the subs did a great job. Kudos to Angel and Arvizu. They hadn’t played this year, and this was their debut. They stepped up and were the reason we were able to get back in it.”
Sevillano also highlighted how the team handled pressure, crediting the coaches’ preparation. “It all starts in practice. The coaches prepare us for these moments. Coach was saying, “Get the tempo back, get the tempo back.” We started to move the ball, we started finding those passes, and we were able to finish those plays.”
Senior midfielder Joel Green (#19) emphasized the importance of everyone doing their part. “Everyone to a man doing their job,” said Green. “Especially the guys that came in, such as Diego [Arvizu #12], Angel [Sandres #26], Theo [Lind #20]. These sorts of players who are getting their chance and performing well.”
Sophomore midfielder Ignacio Moreno (#6) agreed, praising the team’s depth and mindset. “All the guys that came in play a crucial part too,” said Moreno. “That looks like we’re a complete team. Where everyone can play and everyone can start.”
Moreno also reflected on the mindset behind the 3-1 comeback. He said the coach always taught them to keep pushing forward, no matter the score. “El equipo nunca bajó los brazos y siguió luchando,” he added, highlighting the team’s determination and resilience.
Looking ahead, Green said the team’s focus is on momentum for the next game. “Aim for a 6-point weekend, that’s what we always look forward to two games on the weekend,” said Green. “We don’t have enough of those. It’s big to get back-to-back wins to get a momentum going.”
In Sunday’s matchup against Chico State, the Golden Eagles won 3-0.
