IRVINE, Calif.- A strong defensive effort and a breakthrough performance by a freshman led the CUI Eagles to a 1-0 win over Cal Poly Pomona in their home opener.

Throughout the first half, the Eagles controlled the ball for the majority of the 45 minutes.  While the defensive line put up a strong wall and prevented Cal Poly Pomona from scoring as well as not being able to get many shots off.  Freshman Jadenn Carrillo took charge and had the best opportunity of the half when she took a shot on the right side and hit the left side post. The ball rebounded straight to Cienah Reed who kept the play going and just missed the net.

Carrillo continued to be aggressive in the second half and it led to her scoring the winning goal to defeat the Broncos right at the 60-minute mark.  The play started with Kara Gilchrist performing a beautiful slide tackle to steal the ball away.  Marianna Maldonado hustled over to retrieve the ball and then placed a perfect ball to Carrillo who took a couple dribbles up and then blasted the ball past the goalie and into the net scoring her first career goal as an Eagle. 

"It's probably the best feeling ever, I mean goals in general are pretty good but just being a freshman and being able to get the goal to start off the season was pretty exhilarating," said Carrillo.  

Another huge factor in the game was the defensive back line: Molly Melanson, Isabella Angotti-Jones, and Danni Barton.  These three athletes battled relentlessly to keep the ball in Eagle's possession.  

"Honestly, I thought we connected a lot more between each other, Izzy and I were on the same page at all times talking to one another," stated Melanson. "I feel like they didn't know where the ball was going to come, we controlled it all and looked for our outlets."

CUI head coach Chris Gould was excited about the two game performances so far this season with a tough game played Thursday, Sept. 5 against UC San Diego before the big home opening win.

"The good part about today is that it was a teamwork day, it was a lot more of their character and their willingness to stick to what we are good at rather than getting caught up in the competitiveness of the game," said Gould. "Today was another good performance, San Diego was good and today was a little bit better. We hope that in LA we can put together a game and get some momentum for the start of the season."

Looking to continue this momentum, the CUI Eagles women's soccer team heads to Los Angeles, Calif. to face off with Cal State LA on Monday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.  Next home game at Eagles field is Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1  p.m. against Dixie State. For the full schedule of the Concordia women's soccer team click here.