The defenses dominated Friday night's California Collegiate Athletic Association men's soccer opener between 20^th-ranked Cal State LA and Chico State Friday night at University Soccer Stadium. One quick strike on a counter attack proved to be the difference.
 
Cal State LA's Tim Klefisch one-timed a chip into the near upper-V from 15 yards out in the 64^th minute to lift the Golden Eagles to a 1-0 victory.
 

Playing without leading scorer Jeremiah Egujie due to a red card received last Saturday night at Fresno Pacific, the Wildcats' defense showed early flashes of dangerous play. But they were held to just one second-half shot in the loss.
 
Esten Schroeder came closest to finding the back of the net for the Wildcats in the game's 20^th minute. The senior winger flashed his speed down the left flank to beat a defender and the charging goalkeeper to the ball just outside of the 18-yard box. His angle was taking him away from goal, which forced him to get turned before shooting. Cal State LA defender Morten Bjoeshol, recognizing his goalkeepers' conundrum, sprinted toward he far post and got there in time to clear Schroeder's shot off the line.
 
Chico State dipped to 2-2-1 and Cal State LA improved to 4-1-0.
 
Chico State's defense limited the high-powered Golden Eagles attack to just 10 shots on the night. Wildcats goalkeeper Damion Lewis turned away four.
 
Chico State will be back in action Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. against visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills.