FULLERTON, Calif.--- Cal State Fullerton fell behind early, and was never quite able to recover, as two first half goals propelled Loyola Marymount to a 2-0 victory over the Titans Friday night at Titan Stadium.
It didn't take long for the Lions to get on the board, as Adrien Perez connected on a header in the 13th minute and sent the ball into the right corner of the net, after Sean Sears provided a perfect cross into the box to give LMU the 1-0 advantage in front of a crowd of 719.
The goal was the earliest score the Titans had surrendered so far this season, giving Fullerton plenty of time to stage a come back.
But the LMU defense was up to the task and held the Titans to just four shots and two corner kicks in the first half.
Meanwhile, the Lions got plenty of scoring opportunities themselves, mustering up nine first half shot attempts off just one corner kick.
LMU managed to strike again just before halftime, as Trent Clifton connected on a cross by Michael Meisnner to give the Lions a commanding 2-0 advantage in the 44th minute.
However, despite being down 2-0, the Titans showed fight in the second half, recording seven shot attempts in the final 45 minutes of play. Forward Amara Soumah almost brought the crowed to its feet in the 63rd minute, after he nearly connected from 35 yards out, but to no avail, as the shot sailed just over the crossbar.
In the end, offense wasn't to be had Friday night for the Titans, as they were shutout for the second time in the last three games.
Fullerton will get back after it Sunday, when it travels south to take on the University of San Diego at 5:00 p.m. in what will be the start of a season-long four-game road swing.