IRVINE, Calif. – It's not every day you get to face the No. 1 team in the country.

Now the Concordia University Irvine women's soccer team can say they not only played, but handily defeated a top-ranked program at the NCAA DII level for the first time in school history.

No. 17 CUI dominated against No. 1 Western Washington on Monday, with four different Golden Eagles tallying a goal against the defending national champions. 

Preseason All-PacWest selection Riley Walkington setup the first goal with a gorgeous cross that was put in by fellow senior Brianna Guerra. CUI led 1-0 at the half.

Walkington then scored off a free kick in the second half to break the game wide open.  Hailey Havican set it up by drawing a foul just outside the box.

"It was extremely rewarding to be able to contribute to the team, especially after our matches against them last year," said Walkington. "Words can't express how proud I am of this team. It was truly a group effort and we couldn't have gotten this result without every member of the squad."

With the Golden Eagles up 2-0, the floodgates opened as CUI saw two freshmen notch their first career goals.

Antonella Russo fed fellow newcomer Bella Barrett to push the advantage to 3-0.  Minutes later, Russo took a penalty kick and was able to score herself off the initial rebound before the WWU defense could reset.

The CUI defense also worked hard to keep the Vikings off the scoreboard and starting goalie Riley Urquiza and substitute Erica Ihlein combined for the clean sheet.

Urquiza collected three saves and received strong play by her teammates along the back line while communicating effectively to fend off multiple attacks by the Vikings.

It was a huge result and historic win for a squad that lost 1-0 in the NCAA DII regional tournament last fall up in Bellingham, Wash to this same program.  It was also a great example of how to refocus after a frustrating conclusion to their home opener against Cal State LA.

"It's an incredible feeling," said CUI associate head coach Cheyne Gordon. "Coming off a tough loss and tough circumstances, the fact that the team rallied together as a group against the defending national champions - proud is an understatement."

"We spoke pregame about responding to adversity," added CUI head coach Chris Gould. "It's great to see the players grab hold of the opportunity presented to them and simply execute.
Happy for the team and program, but it's early and we will have to be at our best everyday to maximize our talent."

The Golden Eagles are set to visit Cal State Dominguez Hills this Friday evening on Sept. 8 in Carson. It marks the beginning of a four-game stretch against CCAA schools before PacWest Conference play begins on Saturday, Sept. 23 against Point Loma.

Concordia's next home match for the women is slated for Thursday, Sept, 21 at 6:30 p.m. against Cal State East Bay.

CLICK HERE for the updated CUI women's soccer schedule