Box Score: Sonoma State 1, #6 Cal State San Bernardino 0

TURLOCK, Calif- Taylor Varnadore scored a header goal with just under two minutes remaining in regulation to defeat top-seeded Cal State San Bernardino 1-0 in the semifinal of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Soccer Tournament on Friday afternoon in Turlock. The Seawolves advance to the championship match for the fourth straight year.

Sunday's championship match will pit the third-seeded Seawolves against fourth-seeded Cal State Dominguez Hills on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in Turlock. It will be the fourth straight season that the Seawolves and Toros have faced each other in the tournament final.

"It was a tough game," head coach Marcus Ziemer said. "We started a little slow and had a hard time getting a hold of the ball. At an 11 a.m. start, it was a little slippery, but then it dried out and both teams settled down."

Both teams had excellent chances to find the net in the opening 45 minutes, but each team misfired on nine attempts. Sonoma State goalkeeper Juan Sosa made five huge saves in the half, most of which were tough shots at point blank range. Cal State San Bernardino netminder Tanner Olinger had his hands full on the other end, but made just two saves in the half.

Despite the lack of scoring, Ziemer added, "the last 25 minutes of the first half, we were able to grab a hold of the game and dominate. (Cal State San Bernardino) came out in the second half and really pressured us, making it difficult for us to play."

The Seawolves were on the defensive for much of final 45 minutes, facing ten Coyote shots. Sosa made two in the second half and SSU made another huge save as a team, as a rocket off the foot of CSUSB's Jose Godinez at 72:15 hit a Seawolf defender and bounced out of the box. The Coyotes had another huge chance at netting a goal when Martin Esqueda fired a shot from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar with 16 minutes remaining.

Sonoma State looked as if they gained momentum towards the end of the half and finally broke through on a nice cross from Frank Becerril that Varnadore got up and over the Coyote defenders to head past Olinger for the game-winner at 88:10. Cam Vickers was also credited with the assist on the goal that sent Sonoma State players and fans into a frenzy.

"We tried to play a little more direct and then Varnadore came up with the huge goal," said Ziemer. "Our bench was crucial. It was hot and the heat wore us down a bit. Both teams had some slow points. Frank (Becerril) has been coming in and has been on fire. Varnadore is tough. If you give him enough chances in the box, he's gonna get one."

And he did in a huge way, sending the Seawolves to their fourth straight conference title match and sixth overall in the 12 year history of the tournament.

The Coyotes (13-5-1), who are ranked sixth in the nation and first in the NCAA Division II West Region poll, were led by the six shots of Zach Walker. CSUSB held the 19-17 advantage in shots and a 7-2 lead in corner kicks, including a 6-1 mark in the second half. Sosa had his best game as a Seawolf, stopping a career-high seven shots in the shutout victory. Sonoma State extends its unbeaten streak over Cal State San Bernardino to 17 games, a 16-0-1 record.

Sonoma State will face Cal State Dominguez Hills on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at Warrior Stadium in Turlock.

The Seawolves were ranked sixth in the official west region poll released Wednesday. The top four teams in the final poll to be released next week will qualify for the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championship Tournament and SSU is looking to make its fourth straight appearance in the NCAA postseason.