Facing a tough early-season test, the Cougar women got a passing grade on Friday, defeating NCAA Division II opponent Cal State Los Angeles 1-0.

CSUSM is now 2-0 on the year.

The Cougars played 90 minutes of physical soccer to secure the victory. Neither team generated consistent chances, with legitimate scoring opportunities coming few and far between. A scoreless tie at halftime, the contest went well into the second half with neither team getting on the board.

But in the 74th minute, the Cougars would break through. CSUSM earned a corner kick, and Taylor Ziencina struck a beautiful ball into the box. Lauryn Maes, who came off the bench just 15 minutes earlier, went up and got a clean header off. The ball sailed past the keeper into the corner of the net, giving CSUSM the lead.

CSULA turned up the heat a little late in the contest, but the Cougars held strong during the final two minutes to get the win. While not the prettiest or most convincing of victories, Coach Ron Pulvers will take it.

“I was a bit disappointed with our lack of enthusiasm,” commented Pulvers. “But we were able to capitalize and come away with the result. Good teams win even when they don't play to the best of their capabilities, and that's what we did today.”

Still, the Cougars will have to step it up for their next two games: home against Stanislaus on Sunday, and at UCSD on the third.