LA JOLLA, Calif. - In a game it had to have to keep its postseason hopes alive, UC San Diego got a 76th-minute goal from Eric Young to earn a 1-0 victory over Cal State San Marcos in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men's soccer action at Triton Soccer Stadium on Wednesday evening.

UCSD moved to 6-5-5 overall and 5-3-3 in the CCAA, jumping up from the fifth spot in the league table, to sole possession of third. The Tritons do, however, still have more games played than their opponents. Cal State San Marcos dropped to 6-7-2 overall and 4-6-1 in league play. It was the first CCAA meeting between the area foes, with the Cougars new to the conference this season.

Young put a glancing header onto a left-sided cross from fellow sophomore Zachary Lagotta (San Diego/Cathedral Catholic HS) at 75:34, the ball finding its way into the lower right corner for his first goal of 2015. It was the third of his career, the second of the game-winning variety. Lagotta and junior midfielder Riley Harbour were each credited with assists, the teammates both now at a team-high three for the season.

Young then also managed to preserve all three points at the death. With under 10 seconds left in regulation, CSUSM's Louie Farfan rose high above the scrum around the penalty spot to put a strong header onto a cross from the left, but Young was perfectly situated at the base of the right post to kick it clear of danger.

Cameron McElfresh had a pair of saves in keeping his league-leading seventh shutout for UCSD. The redshirt junior has 19 for his career. Zach Sheppard matched his two stops on the other end. The Tritons were actually out-shot, 15-8.

Junior Nick Palano drew his first start of the year out on the left wing as UCSD head coach Jon Pascale continues to deal with several injuries on his club. Nick's twin, Sam Palano, also started at a forward spot, marking the first time in 2015 and just the second time in their Triton careers that the brothers were in Pascale's lineup together. The other such game was on Sept. 6, 2014, against Western Washington.

The match served as UCSD's home finale, but did not feature a traditional Senior Night ceremony prior to kickoff, as the Tritons have no seniors on their roster.

UCSD leads the all-time series, 4-1, having won 4-0 at home in a non-conference matchup last season.

UCSD heads back to Northern California to round out the regular season, playing at archrival Chico State this Friday, Oct. 23. Kickoff at University Soccer Stadium is set for 4:30 p.m.

#TritonsRising

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