Box Score ARCATA — Natalie Argueta's unassisted first-half goal was all CSU Monterey Bay need to claim a 1-0 win over Humboldt State in a California Collegiate Athletic Association women's soccer game Friday.

The win improved the Otters' record to 2-2 overall and 1-2 in the CCAA. Humboldt State dropped to 1-2-1 overall and 0-2-1 in conference.

"In regards to possession, I'm happy with our match," said head coach C.J. Johnson. "Returning home, after the road, we played 100% better. Our intensity and sense of urgency improved."

The evenly-played defensive battle was illustrated by the number of shots taken, Humboldt State finishing with 13 and CSUMB totaling 12. HSU goalkeeper Jenny Paugh made five saves while the Otters' Kendra Gillio and Diana Zambrano had three and four, respectively, in combining for the shutout.

"I'm happy with the defensive pressure we had in the midfield, but I think we rushed it in the offensive third," said Johnson. "We just didn't connect up there. We had better run of play, but unfortunately didn't put any opportunities on frame."

Argueta's first goal of the season came following a battle in the box, the sophomore gathering the ball as Paugh came out on a breakaway but could not hold onto the ball. Her shot chipped over Paugh, Sawyer Gordon tried to head it off the line, but didn't get a full piece of the ball, providing the lead that held for the remaining 17 minutes of the first half and throughout the second.

"Soccer's not always a fair match," said Johnson. "All it takes is one mistake to cost us the game. We weren't aware of free players. It was good awareness on their part."

Humboldt State returns to the College Creek Field on Sunday, hosting Cal State East Bay in another CCAA matchup. Game time is 11:30 a.m.