SAN BERNARDINO –
Zane Baumgardt and
Nick Walker scored goals in the span of five minutes late into the first half that propelled top-seeded Cal State Dominguez Hills to a 2-0 win over fifth-seeded Chico State in the CCAA Tournament semifinal at Premier Field at Cal State San Bernardino Friday.
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The Toros (14-0-5, 7-0-4 CCAA), nationally-ranked at No. 3, advance to the conference tournament final for the first time since 2010. They return to Premier Field to face defending CCAA Tournament champions Cal State LA. The second-seeded and nationally-eighth-ranked Golden Eagles came off a 2-1 win over sixth-seeded Sonoma State to a spot to the final round earlier in the day.
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Dominguez Hills and Los Angeles will meet again for the first since September, when the Toros upset the host and then-No. 1 Golden Eagles. While the winner of the CCAA Tournament will receive the conference's automatic berth into NCAA Regionals beginning next week, both sides have impressive resumés and are well in the top 5 of the NCAA Super Regional 4 poll that both sides are confident to qualify for the national tournament. The Golden Eagles rank second in the region, the Toros at No. 4.
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Against the 'Cats (7-5-8, 3-2-6 CCAA), the Toros showed patience from kickoff. They started taking action on the attack in the 15
th minute.
Alpha Sowe collected a loose ball and sent it perfectly into the goal box where
Martin Velasquez's shot near the right post was brilliantly stopped by Chico keeper Luis Albarran. Three minutes later,
Michael McKibbin was about five feet away when his shot to the goal just arched over the crossbar.
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It was in the 33
rd minute when the Toros finally broke through.
Martin Velasquez delivered a corner kick from the right side that made its way perfectly to the head of Baumgardt who sent the ball in.
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Four minutes later, the Toros added on to the lead when
Chunghwan Lee sent the ball inside the box from about 35 yards and
Nick Walker got his foot out to send it into the goal.
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The Toros ended the day outshooting the 'Cats 14-2 overall, 5-0 on goal.
Sebastian Ascencio and
Frank Aguilar shared goalkeeping duties in each half, not needing to make a save as the Toros' defense posted their 11
th shutout.
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