Yellowjackets’ Upset Bid Falls Short in Overtime at No. 6 Cal State-LA

Box Score

LOS ANGELES – A Federico Cino goal at the 97:04 mark lifted sixth-ranked Cal State-LA to a 2-1 overtime victory over visiting Montana State Billings Wednesday evening at Jesse Owens Track.  With the loss, MSUB fell to 2-1 on the year while the Golden Eagles improved to 2-0.

“It was a tough loss tonight,” head coach Dan McNally said.  “We played a very good team and we had our chances to win, unfortunately that didn’t happen, but I am proud of the guys’ effort and we now will concentrate on our next game at Cal Poly Pomona.”

In the overtime period, much of the play was on the offensive end for CSULA as it has three good looks.  One shot was blocked and one by Cino went high before the game winner.  Cino took the ball after a throw in and fired from the left side of the 18-yard box past a diving Matt Mitchell for the game winner.  Mickey Daly and Jason Swope assisted on the goal.

Cino also got the Golden Eagles on the board in the 30th minute as he received a pass from Mauricio Barrett for the score and a 1-0 lead.  Less than 10 minutes later, MSUB  senior forward, Sam Charles, made history as he received a pass from Ryan Covey and scored to even the game at one.

With the score, Charles broke the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s all-time scoring record with his 95th point, breaking the conference record of 93 career points set by Bobby McAlister of Seattle University (2002-2005).  It was Charles’ 111th point of his career as MSUB was in the Heartland Conference his freshman year where he scored seven goals and had two assists.  However, the GNAC only recognizes records during the time MSUB has been in the league.  For his career, Charles now has 49 goals and 111 points to lead the school’s record books.

“It is a great achievement for Sam to be the GNAC all-time points leader, but tonight he is disappointed with the loss,” McNally added.  “I think it is important to recognize with Sam that he always has scored goals against the best teams we have played.”

The game remained 1-1 at half.  CSULA had a 13-5 lead in shots in the first half and a 3-2 lead in corner kicks in the half. 

In the second half, MSUB tallied four shots and had a great look at the end of regulation to win it as Jeremy DeHerrera’s shot sailed high just before time expired.  MSUB had nine shots in the game with four on goal.  Charles, Chris Andre and DeHerrera each had two shots.

The Yellowjackets will look to rebound Friday at 2 p.m., at Cal Poly Pomona.  MSUB then returns home for four straight, beginning Sept. 10 versus Colorado State-Pueblo at 5 p.m. at Yellowjacket Field.