IRVINE, Calif.- The CUI women's soccer team remained undefeated in the PacWest Conference after their Thursday victory over Biola 2-1. CUI has now won seven in a row.

Biola was previously undefeated in the PacWest Conference until Tuesday, Nov. 5 when they fell to Azusa Pacific.  The CUI Eagles and Point Loma are now the only teams left in the conference that are undefeated in league play.  The CUI women's soccer team is currently ranked seventh in the NCAA regional rankings and Biola is sitting in the six spot.  With these rankings it made the matchup even more intense.

The first half in the battle of the Eagles was very balanced.  The possession total was overall even and both teams were having an even amount of time with the ball.  Credit goes towards both defenses as they let minimal shots go through.  Biola led with three shots on the half and CUI had two shots.  Kaelyn Whitcomb stepped up and had two saves to keep Biola from scoring in the first half.

The second half remained even in the beginning until CUI really pumped up its momentum after Biola received a yellow card.  With the sparked motivation, CUI was attempting to score left and right, taking multiple shots on goal and the team was rallying.  The intensity was building on Eagles Field as the home crowd on "Code Yellow" day waited for the CUI Eagles to score.  However, the Biola Eagles ended up capitalizing first and scored with 15 minutes left in the second half. 

This did not prevent the CUI Eagles from playing their game.  Barely two minutes after Biola scored, CUI's leading scorer Jadenn Carrillo received the ball between her feet and created some space to get off a beautiful shot from just outside the box and net the game-tying goal.  Just a couple minutes later with the score now 1-1, Carrillo again found herself with a scoring chance. Emma Lyon got the ball to Carrillo and the freshman again came through, netting what would prove to be the game-winning goal.

VIDEO: To see the game-winning goal by Carrillo off the pass from Lyon, click here.

It wound up as a CUI Eagle victory 2-1 which kept the women's soccer team undefeated in the PacWest Conference.  The defense also remained strong for the last 10 minutes of the game and helped to secure the win. 

"I think our energy up top opened up a lot," said defender Isabella Angotti-Jones. "I think our defenders were just trying to keep it on the ground and connect passes."
 
The second half really opened up the game for the CUI Eagles and that is where they earned the win.
 
"It means so much," said Angotti-Jones when asked about this win. "It's my senior year and I've always wanted to win a PacWest Title and the fact that we are one game closer is the best feeling. I know that we just need to put in work Saturday and fight against Point Loma." 
 
Carrillo now holds the record for the most goals scored by a freshman in a season with 10 goals.
 
"The intensity of the game was crazy," said Carrillo. "It was very high paced. We knew they were going to come out strong because they are just coming back from a loss. We knew we had an opportunity to get moved up. I wasn't too worried about the score during the first half. It's a game and that happens."
 
Carrillo with no stress from the first half took the fate of the game into her own hands and scored the two goals for CUI.
 
"I don't even remember how I got in that position," said Carrillo about the first goal. "I just got the ball and did what I've learned my whole life. And I hit that upper left corner. It was an amazing feeling."
 
With the second goal to earn the win, Lyon was able to position the ball for Carrillo to kick it through to the net.
 
"It's important to make that last run," said Carrillo. "You never know what you're going to get out of it."
 
 The CUI women's soccer team is well on their way to earning a PacWest Conference Title.  With continued effort and hard work, the fans of CUI have high hopes for this team.
 
"I have zero doubt we can do it," said Carrillo. "We're such a strong team. Our confidence level and our positivity level are insane. Every time we come out to practice it's high intensity like we are in a game. Before games when we are in our locker room listening to music, we are having the best time and we know we are about to give it our all." 

Assistant Coach Cheyne Gordon was very proud of his team and thankful for everyone supporting the Eagles. 

"Today was a special day and on behalf of the program I want to thank the fans, administrators and students that were a part of the game today," said Gordon. "There was an incredible environment which had a positive influence on the game. The girls fed off the environment and we played an incredible game against a top notch Biola team. The game went our way thanks to an entire team effort, 90 minutes of passionate play, solid goalkeeping and some magical moments for the goals. Today is a great day to be an Eagle and we look forward to another challenge in Point Loma on Saturday."

Looking forward the Eagles play the other undefeated team in the PacWest Conference play.  On Saturday, Nov. 9 come out to Eagles Field for the women's soccer team's last home game as they face off with Point Loma.  The Eagles will also be celebrating and recognizing the seniors for Senior Day.  Do not miss your last chance to come out and support the Green and Gold for the 2019 season.  For the full schedule click here.