IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia men's soccer team will be on the road against the Division II No. 1 nationally ranked Cougars of Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m.

CUI and APU matched up earlier in the season in a non-conference competition that resulted in a 2-1 nail-biter in favor of Azusa. Since the battle between the two squads, the Eagles are on a three-game winning streak, having won three of their last four contests. 

Michael Oakson scored the lone goal for the Green and Gold in the first matchup and will look to be a major contributor in the upcoming game. Oakson has been a stud on defense and has played all 90 minutes in every game for the squad this season.

"The team is very eager to play Azusa again," said Oakson. "Given that we are both 3-0 in conference, this game carries tremendous weight and we have much to prove as a team. These are the games that we need to win to reach our goal of making the NCAA tournament at the end of the season."

Graduate student Caley Powers has scored three goals and assisted on two scores since the previous match. Powers is the leading scorer for the Eagles with five goals and three assists total.

"This is a huge match for the team because APU is undefeated and nationally ranked," said Powers. "If we can get this win, it would keep us undefeated in conference and on the map as a true contender for the PacWest Championship. It is going to take a solid group performance and everyone bringing their best game."

The match is the only game for both squads on the week, so both teams will have plenty of time to prepare for the battle. 

"Every time we play APU it is a battle," said junior Elijah Amadin. "This week our team must focus on playing our system and what has made us successful in the past."

Concordia, Azusa Pacific and Chaminade are in a three-way tie for first place heading into the week. All three teams are without a loss in the PacWest Conference standings so the heat is on.

The Eagles will be at home against Chaminade on Saturday, Oct. 26th at 3:30 pm for their PacWest Conference home opener. 

For the full schedule of the CUI men's soccer team, click here.