LA MIRADA, CALIF. - The Eagles of Concordia Irvine took on PacWest Conference rival Biola Eagles in their season opener and came out victorious 4-1.
 
After coming off an impressive exhibition performance against Vanguard University last week, the Green and Gold did not disappoint voters as the preseason PacWest Conference selected No. 1 team.
 
CUI came out the gate as the aggressor and refused to let up all game. Senior forward, Elijah Amadin, started the game off with a quick look at the net but came up short with a fantastic save by the Biola keeper, Luis Rodriguez.
 
Fortunately for the Concordia Irvine squad, Amadin would find the net just minutes later as he slipped past a few defenders to thread the needle into the back of the net, just past the outstretched arms of the keeper. The score was now 1-0 and the CUI Eagles were just getting started.
 
Moments later, Concordia found themselves on the attack once again. The Eagles of CUI found themselves near the net and tripped up close to the penalty box. The foul resulted in a free kick for junior Bryan Lopez just outside the box with an opportunity to score. 
 
To no surprise of the Green and Gold, Lopez bent it like Beckham right around the wall of the defense, ripping the back of the net for another CUI goal, distancing the lead from one to 2-0.
 
As the second half began the Biola Eagles were fired up and ready to get on the 2021 scoring column and that they did! About 15 minutes into the second half, Biola got on the board. But the Concordia squad quickly countered with Amadin assisting Miguel Pena on a goal after a beautiful cross, keeping the PacWest rivals at bay 3-1.
 
The Green and Gold were relentless in their attack and found the net again with Brendan Laun assisting Bryan Lopez right down the middle of the field for an uncontested goal. The CUI score extended the lead to 4-1 propelling them to a smooth finish.
 
"It has been a tough year with all the adversity that we have faced as a program, however, we did not win these first two games by luck," said Lopez. "Our program has been preparing for a season for about a year and the work is paying off. Although I am not a starter, that is the beauty of this team; we have 11 great starters and great players off the bench who are honored to wear the Concordia across their chest. Our program is in a great spot right now and I am glad I was able to contribute with the two goals today."
 
The CUI men's soccer team will be back in action next Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 in San Diego, Calif. vs. the Sea Lions of Point Loma.
 
For more information on the CUI men's soccer team, CLICK HERE: