IRVINE, Calif.. -  The Concordia University Irvine women's soccer team returned home after a long spell of road matches across the west coast. They opened their season Saturday night against Cal State Dominguez Hills, looking to improve their already impressive record.
When the first whistle blew, the energy from CUI was immediately noticeable.

In the 15th minute, Sophie Munoz found a pocket of space in the Toros right corner, slipping the ball to Olivia Ocampo, who was unmarked at the top of the box. Ocampo squared up and fired a rising shot that clipped the crossbar, falling perfectly for Analisa Gjonovich, who calmly slipped it past the off-balance keeper.

Just before the half, Jadenn Carrillo collected a through ball inside the Toro's 18-yard box, taking a touch and being shoved to the ground, earning a penalty kick for the Golden Eagles. Ocampo stepped up to the spot and sunk her strike into the net. CUI concluded the half with ten shots, and Defender of the Week Riley Urquiza calmly made three saves, maintaining a shutout at the half.

Starting the second half, the Golden Eagles added a slew of new players to the lineup, giving many of the women their first minutes for the program.

The Toros found a more substantial offensive presence for the following forty-five minutes but couldn't quite catch the Golden Eagles on their heels. Late in the half, Emily Reardon came on for the green and gold, making an immediate impact, narrowly missing the net with a shot just wide of the right post.

The home team maintained their two-goal advantage, ending the game with their third win of the season so far! The team improves to 3-1-1, only three games out from PacWest Conference play.

The Golden Eagles will be back at home on Wednesday, Sept. 14th, against the visiting San Fransisco State Gators.

CLICK HERE to see the entire women's soccer schedule.