Men's Soccer

Costa's Golden Goal Sends Azusa Pacific To Regional Final

AZUSA, Calif. -- Arturo Astorga and Gabriel Costa have combined to have a remarkable season, and on Saturday night, the duo helped Azusa Pacific to its biggest win so far this season, beating Cal State LA, 2-1, in overtime to advance to the NCAA West Regional final.

Astorga and Costa each had a goal and an assist in the win to become the first duo of players from the same team in PacWest history to record double-digit goals and assists in the same season. In the 96th minute, the PacWest Player of the Year, Costa, scored his 14th goal to keep the Cougars' season alive.

With the 2-1 victory, Azusa Pacific increases its winning streak to 14 matches for a 17-1-1 record. The No. 2-seeded Cougars advance to play No. 5 Cal Poly Pomona, which is the defending champion in the West Region. The regional final will be played at the Cougar Soccer Complex on Thursday.with the winner advancing the the national quarterfinals.

Azusa Pacific got on the board first in the 22nd minute when Costa sent a pass forward to the top of the box. Astorga beat his defender to the ball and shot with his left foot to the right post past a diving goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead. It was Astorga's 11th goal this year and Costa's 13th assist.

Cal State LA evened the score in the 62nd minute by punching a loose ball into the net to tie the game, 1-1. The Cougars' outshot the Golden Eagles during regulation, 11-7, and put six shots on frame in the second half, but Cal State LA stopped every opportuntity for the Cougars to force overtime.

Just like in the regular season finale, Costa scored a golden goal for the Cougars in the first overtime. This time, Astorga sent a cross on the ground into the box. Costa settled it and fired into the left-near post to clinch the victory. The second Cougar goal of the evening was Astorga's 10th assist on the season.

Azusa Pacific remains undefeated at home with an 11-0 record on the season when playing at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Azusa Pacific will now host the next two rounds of postseason play. The winner of the West Region will face the South Central Champion on Saturday in Azusa.