BOX SCORE ARCATA, Calif. – Paced by two goals from junior Max Madrigal (Oxnard HS), the CCAA North Division leading Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer team nabbed a 3-1 victory at Humboldt State Sunday afternoon.
 
With the win, the Otters (7-3-2, 5-3-2 CCAA) continue to have a three-point lead over second place Sonoma State in the CCAA North Division standings. The Lumberjacks fall to 5-6-1 overall and 3-6-1 in conference action.
 
"It was a great conference game," said CSUMB Head Coach Rob Cummings. "Going into the game, we had a lot at stake with HSU's big win on Friday and seeing SSU win earlier today put more pressure on us, but I think the guys handled it really well."
 
Madrigal broke the gates open in the 25th minute picking up a loose ball in the box after Lumberjack turnover and finishing it.
 
Madrigal's second goal came six minutes into the second half from 15 yards out. Junior Aaron Kochman (Boise, Idaho/Centennial HS) scored a big tackle and served it to Madrigal sent it to the far post.
 
The Lumberjacks got on the board in the 68th minute when Zach Hammond took a long pass up the middle from Chuck Pitts and found the back of the net.
 
With only 17 seconds remaining in the contest, George Plakorus (Columbia, Mo./Hickman HS) redirected a bouncing ball from Alberto Anguiano (Oxnard/Pacifica HS) for the final goal of the game.
 
The Otters outshot HSU 17-12 with a 10-5 edge in the first half.  The corner kicks were fairly even with the Lumberjacks holding a slight advantage at 4-3.
 
"For us to get up on them early set the tempo," Cummings said. "We are still growing and still understanding how to close games but we stuck to the game plan and it was great way to end the trip on top."
 
CSUMB returns to action on Friday, Oct. 18, hosting Cal State Stanislaus at the Otter Sports Complex. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m.