POMONA, Calif. — After an unconventional season this past spring, the Concordia University Irvine men's soccer team was eager to jump into regular-season action once again. Their first match saw them on the road to face up against Cal Poly Pomona, looking to extend their streak against the Broncos to three wins in the last four years. 

In the early minutes of the first half, a strong Broncos defense was able to hold CUI back from seeing much of their goal. However, in the 19th minute, the Eagles were able to open their scoring on the regular season with Alex Perez flicking a cross off his head to Klaus Huovila, who struck it into the left side of the goal.

CUI continued to put the pressure on Pomona throughout the half. Their efforts paying off in the 30th minute when Miguel Pena was able to create enough space for himself to put a cross into the box for Elijah Amadin who was able to flick the ball off his head past the keeper to double the lead. 

After building a comfortable lead for themselves, CUI looked to bolster their defense, knowing that Pomona wouldn't let off for the remainder of the match. However, after only three minutes since the whistle for the second half, the Broncos found themselves on the scoreboard with a solo goal from one of their forwards. As play progressed, Pomona didn't let off of CUI's defense, eventually drawing a penalty kick in the 78th minute, which they converted, tying up the game at 2-2.

With five minutes remaining in regulation, the Eagles were determined to finish the game off and not go into extra time. In the 85th minute, Luke Ryan found the ball at his feet facing four Pomona defenders; however, Ryan's overwhelming composure helped him find a gap in the defense to slot the ball through for freshman Carlos Moate who collected the ball and coolly finished it in the back of Pomona's goal.

Leading the solid defensive showing for CUI was freshman goalkeeper Andre Flores, making five critical saves in his first start for the Eagles. 

The Eagles will be opening up their home season this coming Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 6:00 P.M. hosting Cal State San Bernardino. 

CLICK HERE to purchase your soccer tickets ahead of time for the home opener and other upcoming CUI games as we recently launched our new HomeTown Ticketing service. Please remember that we are no longer accepting cash at the ticket booth and all sales must be done digitally online.  We encourage spectators to buy their tickets ahead of time as much as possible to save time when you arrive.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's soccer schedule.