IRVINE, Calif. – There were only two halves played on Saturday between the Concordia University Irvine and Point Loma Nazarene University men' soccer teams, but with the way the match progressed, it felt like it was split up into three sections.

The action in the first half benefited the Golden Eagles. Concordia's defense seemed to discombobulate the Sea Lions, who were a bit choppy passing the ball in the first 45 minutes.

CUI took a 1-0 lead when Carlos Moate crashed the net and scored a quick reflex goal with the Sea Lions on their heels. Leo Sanchez attacked the box and a shot caromed off the goalkeeper directly to Moate who immediately caught the defense off guard and cashed in.

Point Loma regrouped at intermission and came out with a renewed sense of urgency.  A pair of quick goals within a five-minute stretch by the Sea Lions flipped the score to be 2-1 in favor of the visitors. 

With barely 15 minutes elapsed in the second half, Point Loma extended its lead to 3-1 after completing a cross into the box.

But after that goal, the flow of the game changed again as Concordia's offense came alive. The Golden Eagles started to pile up scoring opportunities as the clock wound down and eventually were able to claw back into the contest. 

PacWest Preseason Player of the Year Anthony Morales knocked home his second goal of the year in the 75th minute to trim the deficit to 3-2.  SAAC rep Kevin Sanchez was credited with the assist.

Both teams wound up with 15 total shots as CUI kept the pressure on. However, Point Loma was able to hang on for the hard-fought victory a

The Golden Eagles welcome their local rivals from Biola to town this coming Wednesday, Sept. 27 for their next conference contest.  The CUI men play at 3:30 p.m. followed by the women's match at 6:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's soccer schedule