ROHNERT PARK, Calif-  In a hotly contested battle between two nationally-ranked teams, it was 23rd-ranked Sonoma State defeating 5th-ranked Cal State L.A. 2-0 on Sunday afternoon in Rohnert Park.  The win pushes the Seawolves record to 8-1-2, 3-0-2 CCAA.  The Golden Eagles suffer their first defeat of the season, falling to 7-1-1, 4-1-1 CCAA.

The Seawolves got on the board in the 22nd minute when Ross Middlemiss scored on an incredible header.  The play was set up by a nice crossing effort from Eric Lafon.  It was Middlemiss' 12th goal of the season.

Lafon found a goal of his own in the 33rd minute when he punched one home off a cross from freshman Cam Vickers.  Lafon has six goals this season to go along with a team-high five assists.

Said head coach Marcus Ziemer, "We came in very prepared today and played sharp.  We were able to create a lot of good opportunities.  This is a step in the right direction."

Though the Golden Eagles would actually out shoot the Seawolves in the second half, 4-3, their opportunities were smothered by a sharp Seawolf defense.  Doug Carr, Scott Preckwinkle, Jack Jones, and Stuart Gallant were all over the place and Brook Johnson had a very nice effort in his return to the net, making two saves. 

Said Ziemer, "We did a good job of keeping everything in front of us and deniing them clear chances. Brook made a great save on a free kick in the first half, which would have given LA some momentum going into halftime."

For the game, Sonoma State out shot Cal State L.A., 8-5.  Thirty fouls were called and six yellows were issued, three to each team.

"This was a good effort after a couple of mediocre performances (ties with CSU Monterey Bay and Humboldt State)," said Ziemer. 

The Seawolves will try to keep the momentum going next weekend when they head south to face UC San Diego and Cal State Dominguez Hills. 

Box Score

GAME NOTES:  Last season, the Seawolves beat a Cal State L.A. team ranked sixth in the nation...Eric Lafon (23) is now just one assist behind Andrew Ziemer for third on the all-time list...Middlemiss needs just one more goal to break on to the single-season goal scoring list...his first half goal tied him with Eddie Breeden (1994-95, 00) for ninth on the all-time list with 23; he's one behind Christopher Ziemer (1990-91, 97-98)...Middlemiss is now tenth in school history with 58 points, passing Brian Coyne (2001-04) today...Brook Johnson secured his 16th career shutout, passing Matt Bernard (2001-03) for fourth on the all-time list.