LOS ANGELES - The UC San Diego women’s soccer team allowed an early second-half goal and fell to Cal State L.A., 1-0, on the opening night of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) season at Jesse Owens Track Friday night.

UCSD dropped to an even 3-3-1 overall and 0-1 in the CCAA. The Golden Eagles moved to 6-1-1 overall and 1-0 in league play. The teams had just met in their non-conference finales in La Jolla on Monday night, playing to a 1-1 draw. The previous four match-ups in Los Angeles, dating back to 2009, were won by the Tritons.

Joanna Espinoza took a pass from Norie Pablo and snuck her shot inside the far post for her third goal of 2014 within two minutes of the second-half whistle, at 46:55.

The Tritons’ best chance at an equalizer came at 79:19, when they earned a penalty-kick decision. Redshirt junior center back Michelle Yasutake stepped up for a well-struck effort, but CSULA goalkeeper Yi Du was equal to the task with a tremendous save. It was the only stop the senior needed to make in posting her fourth shutout.

Junior Kelcie Brodsky had four saves in the Triton net. UCSD was credited with just five shots to 12 by the home side, with only one in the first 45 minutes and three over the final 15 minutes of the contest.

Makenzie Brito drew her first collegiate start as a wing midfielder in the injury absence of Triton points leaderJordyn McNutt (San Diego/University City HS). A third true freshman, Katie O’Laughlin (Carlsbad/Pacific Ridge School) made her return to the field in a reserve role for the first time since Sept. 6.

“We played a good first half, but then we caused our own problems,” said Triton head coach Brian McManus. “We’re not closing down, and let them get a shot they never should have gotten off.

“We’re still not physically and mentally strong enough. We’re too nice. We’ll be alright. There’s still a long way to go, but in the big picture, it was a bad result. In the new single-table format, when you lose a game, there are no second chances.”

UCSD returns to La Jolla to face Cal Poly Pomona in its CCAA home opener this Sunday, Sept. 28. Kickoff at Triton Soccer Stadium is slated for 2 p.m., after the UCSD men take on the 22nd-ranked Broncos at 11:30 a.m.

#TritonsRising

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