Rangel's Header Gives No. 10 Toros 1-0 Overtime Thriller Over No. 4 Cal State L.A.

Hiram Rangel made his first goal of 2008 count in a huge way.

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Carson, CA -- Junior Hiram Rangel couldn't have picked a better time to notch his first goal of the 2008 season, taking a cross inside 4th-ranked Cal State L.A.'s box and heading home the game winner seven minutes into overtime in a 1-0 thriller over the visiting Golden Eagles, giving CSUDH its third-straight win and a fitting end to Homecoming.

In a playoff type atmosphere that pitted two top 10 schools separated by just 18.1 miles, it was fitting that regulation failed to decide the outcome.

After initiating its attack in the early going to an 11-6 shot advantage, the Toros found their opponents every bit up to the challenge as the Golden Eagles matched CSUDH's offensive output after the break with five shots apiece.

In the extra frame, the visitors looked to find their offensive rhythm after tallying the period's first three shots, only to be rebuffed by CSUDH's lone attempt, resulting in the golden goal.

Approaching the eighth minute of overtime and positioned in a corner, Andrew Marinez sent a cross towards the box which found a leaping Rangel in concert, and the 5'7 midfielder didn't disappoint, heading his shot past CSULA keeper Noe David and setting off a wild celebration.

David's counterpart, Miguel Benitez, was more than up to his challenge, notching his fourth shutout to give the Toros their second-consecutive blanking and third win in a row.

The Toros, who ranked behind the Golden Eagles in the NCAA Far West Region entering tonight's contest, outshot CSULA 17-14 in the contest, but were out-cornered 9 to 8. A physical contest befitting a rivalry so close in proximity, each squad was tagged for 11 fouls amongst the 3 cautions issued.

CSUDH, now 14-2-1, 9-2-1 CCAA and seemingly with its fate in its own hands, can clinch no worst than the second seed in the upcoming CCAA Tournament by winning its last three contests of the regular season, beginning with a non-conference contest on Wednesday, October 22, as Cal State San Marcos visits Carson for a 7:00 pm first kick, after the Toros honor their seven seniors in a pre-game ceremony.

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