Box Score

TURLOCK, Calif- The Seawolves were faced with another challenge, and again, they conquered it. This time it counted. Junior forward Taylor Jones scored in the 37th minute and senior Brook Johnson did everything in his power to keep Cal State L.A. off the scoreboard, again, helping Sonoma State to a 1-0 victory over the Golden Eagles in the semifinals of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Soccer Championship Tournament on Friday night in Turlock.

The Seawolves, ranked 15th in the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) poll and second in the NCAA Division II West Region, improved to 14-3-4 and will play for the CCAA title on Sunday at against Cal State Dominguez Hills. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Warrior Stadium in Turlock. The Golden Eagles, ranked sixth in the nation and first in the region, was eliminated from the CCAA tournament and fell to 17-3-1.

"That was a fantastic college game with two very good teams," head coach Marcus Ziemer said following the victory.

Both teams exerted high energy and high emotion right from the opening kickoff but it seemed as if Sonoma State played on the defensive for much of the opening half. However, freshman Jomed Tejan dribbled in behind the L.A. defense and found Jones up ahead in the goal box where he fired a shot from about five yards out on the right side that beat Golden Eagle goalkeeper Jose Martinez and found the net just inside the left post. Despite the 8-2 shot disadvantage after the initial 45 minutes, Sonoma State found itself ahead 1-0.

That's where the defense took over.

"Our defense played great," said Ziemer. "Brook (Johnson) made some incredible saves and our back line of Stuart Gallant, Ryan Hall, Casey Dayton and Ebby Lombardi played very well. Cory Taufer and David Holleran were big time in the midfield. They played in front of the back line and not only were they solid defensively, but they helped us circulate the ball."

Cal State L.A. brought on the offensive heat after the intermission, firing off nine more shots -- 17 total on the night -- but Johnson made seven enormous saves in the 90 minute match, preserving the second consecutive 1-0 shutout victory over the Golden Eagles.

The shot total favored Cal State L.A. 17-7, with four coming from Kristian Gaustad, but in the end, it was Jones' goal that held up -- his team-leading 15th point.

Said Ziemer, "We are very deep so we were able to sub, keeping guys fresh. We didn't lose our focus. Taylor Jones came in with 20 minutes left in the first half and he scored the only goal of the game. That's a great example of how this team can compete and win."

With the win, Sonoma State will face Cal State Dominguez Hills for the CCAA Championship for the third straight year and fifth time since 2000. In 2007, the Toros defeated the Seawolves in the title game, 1-0, before Sonoma State claimed the trophy last season after a shootout victory. Cal State Dominguez Hills rallied to beat Cal State San Bernardino, 2-1, in the other semifinal game on Friday evening.

"We are going to enjoy this one for tonight, but then tomorrow it is back to work to prepare for Dominguez Hills," Ziemer added. "We have a great rivalry (with CSUDH) and it is always a barn burner when we play them."

CCAA Soccer Championships -- Warrior Stadium at Turlock, Calif.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009
#3 Cal State Dominguez Hills 1, #2 Cal State San Bernardino 0
#4 Sonoma State 1, #1 Cal State L.A. 0

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
#3 Cal State Dominguez Hills vs. #4 Sonoma State -- 2 p.m.