Hometown Hero Nets Golden Goal

September 17, 2014

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Cal State East Bay freshman Luigi Castillo scored the first two goals of his collegiate career in Saturday night's 2-1 double overtime road win over Western Washington. The golden goal came in the 108th minute giving the Pioneers their first win on the young season.

"The first goal was great and his second goal was amazing. (On the second score) Luigi volleyed the ball from the top of the (18-yard) box and scored a beautiful goal," complimented East Bay Head Coach Andy Cumbo on Castillo's performance.

The Hayward High School product saw just six minutes of game action in the team's first two matches of the year. On Saturday he played 41 minutes, took two shots, and found the back of the net twice.

"I'm just happy to help my team win. I worked very hard on my own and it is paying off," said Castillo. "I'm also happy to represent my hometown Hayward in this way."

Prior to this Washington road trip the Bay Area local had never traveled via airplane or scored a collegiate goal. Castillo can check both off his list even before Monday's game at Seattle Pacific.

It was a slow start for both teams as neither put a shot on goal until late in the opening half. Western Washington (1-2-0) was the second straight opponent held without a first half shot attempt by the Cal State East Bay defensive unit. The lone goal given up in back-to-back double overtime contests was a second half penalty kick converted by Jeremy Wentzel in the 50th minute.

"Our guys played well tonight. They had a great response after surrendering the penalty kick early in the second half," praised Cumbo on his squad's toughness.

It is the only goal conceded by East Bay goalkeeper Adrian Topete over the past 218 minutes. He made two stops in double overtime to set the scene for Castillo's dramatic walk-off winner. Rogers matched the effort with two saves in the loss.

Several Pioneers were involved with the goals as Kellen Crow assisted on the first score of the season. Michael Tieku secured his first point as a Pioneer, teaming up with Arnol Arceta to set up the game-winner at the 107:54 mark.

Cal State East Bay (1-1-1) will face Seattle Pacific (2-0-1) on Monday, Sept. 15, to finish its Washington road trip.

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