The Cal State East Bay men’s soccer team back-to-back ties leaves them at 3-4-3 overall and 0-2-2 in conference competition.

After a scoreless first half Cal State Monterey Bay (2-4-3, 1-2-1) and CSUEB both managed to find the back of the net one time on Sunday resulting in a 1-1 tie following double overtime at Pioneer Stadium.

“We looked to play wide and get crosses in,” junior Duke Driggs said. “We took an opportunity to get to the end line.”

After giving up a goal to the Otters in the 57th minute CSUEB found themselves playing from behind. Just 12 minutes later in the 69th minute Driggs was able to tally the lone goal of the match for the Pioneers from five yards out when he knocked in a rebound shot from teammate Javier Martin who got credit for the assist.

The contest was a tense defensive struggle with both teams only mustering up five shots on goal. Pioneer goalkeeper Adrian Topete managed to save four of the five shot attempts by CSUMB while Otters goalkeeper Evan Drake matched Topete with four saves of his own.

The Pioneers’ last chance came in the 106th minute in the double overtime period when Drake saved a shot by senior midfielder Arnol Arceta.

CSUEB coach Andy Cumbo remained optimistic about his squad following their second tie in a row.

“The team is working hard and playing for each other,” Cumbo said. “We are improving and building off each of our league matches.”

Things don’t get any easier for the Pioneers as they set to embark on a four-game road trip beginning tomorrow when they travel to Pomona to take on the nationally ranked Broncos. Cal Poly Pomona is currently ranked 14th in the California Collegiate Athletic Association boasting an impressive 9-0-1 overall record including a perfect 4-0 in conference play.

The Broncos have won their last eight matches in a row and have outscored their opponents by a lopsided 16-2 margin just past the halfway point of the season.

The Pioneers will continue their road trip with stops at UC San Diego, Chico State and Cal State San Bernardino before heading back to Pioneer Stadium at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 when they take on Antelope Valley who currently sits at 0-7.