LOS ANGELES – Traditionally, rivalry matchups can be turned into classics. Add Sunday's men's soccer battle between crosstown foes No. 7 Cal State Dominguez Hills and top-ranked and defending NCAA Division II champions Cal State LA to that distinction.
In a clash between two unbeaten teams at Cal State LA's University Stadium, both teams kept the playing field even until
Martin Velasquez net the match's only goal to hand the Golden Eagles their first loss of the season.
It is the first time the Toros have pulled an upset against the United Soccer Coaches' top-ranked team in three attempts since 2005. Sunday's matinee was also the first time since 2008 the Toros had played a match when both teams are ranked in the top 10.
With the win, coupled with a 3-3 tie at No. 13 Cal Poly Pomona Friday, the Toros will look and see where the United Soccer Coaches put them in the next Top 25 poll on Tuesday.
After a quiet first half, the two sides took the physicality up a notch. The Toros had two notable chances to break the ice, both by
Michael McKibbin. In the 58
th minute, the sophomore had an open target in the box but a LA defender got a foot on it to deflect the shot. Ten minutes later, McKibbin volleyed a shot just outside the penalty area that was perfectly done but just missed the left side of the post.
Velasquez's golden goal came in the 68
th minute.
Kenny Lee made a clean pass to an open Velasquez, who dribbled to the outside the penalty area and delivered a left-footed shot to the upper left corner for the goal. Golden Eagle keeper Alvaro Unauna made a great effort to make the stop but just missed it.
Sebastian Ascencio had to make two official saves on the day, but the Golden Eagles' offense made their presence known, recording 13 total shots.
The Toros return home for the next three matches, starting Friday with Cal State San Marcos. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Toro Stadium.
