Box score
With the Golden Eagles' season on the line, senior goalkeeper Alvaro Unanua made three consecutive stops during the shootout to help propel Cal State LA to a 3-1 win on penalty kicks, and back into the NCAA Division II National Championship Match. (Dec. 9)
Neither team could find the net during regulation or the first two overtime periods despite good offensive rhythm. However, whenever there was room for a good look, the defense quickly shut down the open space. Nova Southeastern had 17 shots through the first overtime period, but just three were on goal. Cal State LA was not much better as three of their four shots on goal did not occur until the second overtime.
With the 0-0 score after 110 minutes, the match turned to shootouts. Cal State LA was denied on each of its first two chances. The Sharks converted on their first and looked like they would take a commanding 2-0 lead before Unanua put together a legendary effort.
The first save he made was going to his right, diving high across the goal to stop the attempt. The next, he denied going to his left. Meanwhile, Gerard Hernando and Gonzalo Talavera converted on their penalty kick attempts to give Cal State LA the 2-1 lead. Unanua was not satisfied with just giving his team the chance to retake the lead; he was ready to have the Golden Eagles end it early.
Unanua stonewalled what would be the Sharks final attempt of the evening on perhaps his most impressive play of the night. He dove slightly early to his right his time, but the Pamplona, Spain native had the presence to move his foot into the path of the ball and stop the attempt.
Freshman Jeppe Paulsen then stepped in with a chance to end the game there. He did not miss his opportunity to play hero as he froze the keeper and casually poked the ball into the net for the victory.
Cal State LA will face the University of Charleston for the 2021 NCAA Championship on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. PST. This will be the second consecutive season these teams have faced off for the national championship.