SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos men's soccer team notched its second victory of the season over a nationally-ranked opponent in a 1-0 victory over No. 12 Cal State L.A. in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) action on Sunday afternoon in The Cage.

Eric Polland, who celebrated his 18^th birthday on Sunday, fired home his first collegiate goal in the 12^th minute to provide the difference.

The Cougars, who entered the year without a victory over a ranked NCAA Division II team, now have two this season. CSUSM upset then-No. 21 UC San Diego 1-0 on Sept. 21.

CSUSM improves to 5-4-2 overall, 4-2-2 CCAA while dropping CSULA to 7-3-3 overall and 5-3-0 in CCAA play.

To say the Cougar goal caught the Golden Eagles off guard would be an understatement. Centerback Robbie Dirks appeared to be under intense pressure from Steven Eberle deep in his own end, but was able to fire-off a 60-yard clearance into the CSULA half.

CSULA's Tim Eiben misjudged the ball in the air, which allowed Richard Flores and Polland to fight with Eiben for the ball. Polland came out with it and rocketed a right-footed strike from the edge of the 18 inside the left post.

CSUSM was a tad unfortunate not to add an insurance goal midway through the second half, as Bryan Morrison's free kick missed the left post by a yard and Parker Hodges' deflection missed just high over the bar.

The Cougars will be thanking goalkeeper Justin Tesar for his quick hands. The redshirt freshman punched away Eberle's volley inside the six at the front post in the 79^th minute before stonewalling a breakaway opportunity from Ihsan Kalkan in the 88^th.

CSUSM played the final 7:37 with 10 men following the ejection of Flores, who was dealt his second yellow card for what was perceived as delay of game.

The Cougar starting lineup featured seven underclassmen. In addition, five more underclassmen came on as substitutes, due in large part to a rash of injuries to the more experienced starting lineup.

Seniors Zach Olow and Jacob Stolmeier were honored for their years of service to the men's soccer program prior to the match.

CSUSM has four CCAA matches remaining in the regular season, all of which will be on the road. The Cougars travel to play Cal State East Bay and Stanislaus State next Friday and Sunday, respectively.