IRVINE, CALIF. —The Concordia Women's Soccer Team notched its first PacWest win 1-0 at home against Hawaii Pacific University. Kara Gilchrist put the Eagles on top with a header goal.

Both teams kicked the game off with intensity. HPU put up the first shot of the game 47 seconds into the first half, but that didn't phase CUI. The Eagles pressed the Sharks defensive line, recording 11 shots before HPU had a chance to pound its second. 

Concordia defenders continued to make runs out of the back, confusing the Sharks' midfield and finding space to pass into. The Eagles outside midfielders dribbled up the line into the 18 but any offensive crosses were blocked by the opposing defense.

The Sharks fought back to keep possession towards the end of the first half with an offensive opportunity on the left side that ended with a shot and a save by CUI keeper Kaelyn Whitcomb. The Eagles counterattacked to finish the first period with a laser off the foot of Olivia Khoury. Concordia concluded the half with 14 shots while HPU posted two. 

The second half started in favor of the Sharks, who kept the ball in their possession.  Concordia battled to regain possession and offensive power. In the 61st minute, Cienah Reed took a corner kick from the left side straight to the head of Kara Gilchrist who sent it into the back of the net. The Eagles led the Sharks but continued the forward attacks and finished the second half with 15 shots and a winning score of 1-0.

Kaelyn Whitcomb made her first start in the net for Concordia. She recorded four saves and received her first win of the season. 

The Concordia Women's Soccer Team returns to the pitch on September 23rd for another PacWest matchup against University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Irvine, Calif.