CARSON -- Cal State Dominguez Hills needed to hand the No. 1 team in the nation in Cal State LA its first defeat of the year AND get some help in another California Collegiate Athletic Association match-up to squeak into the CCAA Championship Tournament, but the Toros got neither after falling 2-1 to its crosstown rival and seeing the second scenario dissolve early, ending the 2026 campaign after beginning the year picked to win its third-straight regular season title in a preseason CCAA coaches poll.
After today's loss CSUDH ends its season at 6-7-5 overall, and 4-5-3 in CCAA play.
Cal State LA, which went unbeaten at 15-0-2 after today's match, scored twice after intermission to erase a 1-nil deficit, solidifying its position atop the Division II men's soccer mountain.
Lucas Galarza (pictured) gave the Toros hope early, taking a
Mateo Vestesen feed and finding the back of the net at the 12:17 mark for his third goal of the year.
That's where the score remained until the 54th minute when the Golden Eagles equalized on an unassisted score.
Over 30 minutes later, CSULA took the lead for good at the 83:50 mark in what would prove to be the game-winner.
The Toros kept pace with their crosstown-rival, out-shooting them 17 to 15, but were on the short end of shots on goal, trailing five to three.
Both teams combined for 29 fouls with each team earning two cautions.
Â
