(CSUEB Sports Information)

HAYWARD, Calif. – Mindy Castro's first goal of her collegiate career gave Cal State East Bay women's soccer an early lead over nationally ranked No. 14 Sonoma State. The undefeated Seawolves tied the game just before half and Lauren Curtin scored the second half game-winner for a 2-1 result inside Pioneer Stadium on Friday night.

Cal State East Bay (4-4-2, 1-2-0 CCAA) became the first team in 10 matches to hold a lead longer than three minutes against Sonoma State (10-0-0, 3-0-0 CCAA) this season. The Pioneers enjoyed a 1-0 advantage for nearly 39 minutes as the home side looked to enter halftime ahead.

The Seawolves earned a corner kick in the final minute of the first half and Melissa Lafranchi was able to capitalize. East Bay starting goalkeeper Briana Scholtens stopped the initial close range shot, but Lafranchi collected the rebound and placed it past the Pioneer defense for the equalizer with :31.7 seconds remaining until intermission.

Both teams made goalkeeper substitutions out of halftime as Selena Braun came in for the home side. She was tested early making a miraculous diving save off the crossbar in the 61st minute to keep the game tied 1-1.

Sonoma State controlled possession throughout the second half eventually paying off with the go-ahead score. Cecilia Sifuentes served a low cross from near the left corner of the field and found teammate Lauren Curtin. The team's leading scorer slid towards goal near the far right post to put away her eighth goal of the season in the 74th minute.

SSU goalkeeper Ashley Luis improved to 2-0-0 this season after making a pair of second half stops in the win. Scholtens and Braun made three saves each in their respective halves of play.

Sonoma State will now go to battle against defending CCAA champions and 17th-ranked Cal State Stanislaus in the heat of Turlock on Sunday at 2:00 pm.