AZUSA, Calif. - The Concordia men's soccer team was on the road against the Division II, No. 1 nationally ranked, Cougars of Azusa Pacific and came ready to compete.

CUI and APU matched up earlier in the season in a non-conference competition that resulted in a 2-1 loss for the Green and Gold. This time around, the Eagles looked to settle the score but came up short in a 1-0 loss.

In the first half action the game was closely matched and a battle for the ages. Concordia Irvine brought their A game to Azusa and the two squads ended the half where it started, 0-0.

As the second half play began, both the Eagles and Cougars fought to get on the board. Unfortunately, about twelve minutes into the half senior midfielder for APU, Arturo Astorga, came up big for the Azusa squad and scored the lone goal of the day. 

Although Concordia did not convert a goal in the match, there were many positive notes to take from the battle. 

"I am really proud of how our guys represented Concordia Soccer today," said head coach Chris Gould. "Every player put in a shift and we created a couple of very good chances. It was a tight game and it took a moment of quality to break it open. Unfortunately, it went there way, but we showed up and fought for 90 minutes."

The Green and Gold held the No. 1 ranked team in Division II to one goal, which is the lowest point total the Cougars have scored on the season. Keeper Mac Hutchins saw 21 attempts toward the goal and came up with four saves. 

"Our whole team gave it their all today," said Hutchins. "I am proud of the team for the work we put in. We didn't get the result we were hoping for but I know that each player gave their 100% effort for the player next to them."

The CUI squad has another big game 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: