LA JOLLA, Calif. - If the 2009 meetings between UC San Diego and Cal State L.A. were any indication, this Friday's 7 p.m. match between the Tritons and Golden Eagles should be an exciting one.

CSULA defeated UCSD 1-0 on both occasions last year but the two contests proved to be well-contested and hard-fought. With the Golden Eagles entering this weekend as the No. 2-ranked team at the Division II level, the Tritons will certainly have a tough assignment as California Collegiate Athletic Association play gets underway.

UCSD holds a 0-1-1 record through the early going after a season-opening draw against Dominican followed by a 2-0 loss to Notre Dame de Namur. CSULA only has one match under its belt in 2010, a 1-0 victory at home over Biola. The Golden Eagles are welcoming back four defenders with starting experience, led by All-CCAA Second Team honoree Simon Volk.

The Tritons have exhibited a strong defense as well, with San Diego native Jared Kukura leading the back line. Joining Kukura in the mission to slow down the opposition's attack has been a trio of youngsters, freshmen Alec Arsht and Gavin Lamming along with sophomore Harris Rabin. Goalkeeper Jesse Brennan earned his first collegiate minutes last week for the Tritons and performed admirably.

In the season's first two matches, UCSD outshot its opponents 39-17 while earning 11 corner kicks to the opposition's six.

Another South Division rival visits La Jolla on Sunday, with the No. 19 Cal State Dominguez Hills squad set to challenge UCSD at 2:30 p.m. The Toros are 1-0-1 in the 2010 season, with a 3-1 win over Concordia and a 1-1 draw with Vanguard. Last season, CSUDH was crowned CCAA and West Region champions.

The Tritons have played the Golden Eagles and Toros a combined 36 times, with UCSD going 10-7-1 against CSULA and 3-12-3 versus CSUDH.