AZUSA, Calif. – No. 11 Concordia's impressive 11-game unbeaten streak to open the season ended on Saturday evening as the Azusa Pacific Cougars eked out a 1-0 nail-biter over the Golden Eagles.
 
The Cougars net the first goal of the match in the 15th minute off a corner kick. That turned out to be the only score of the night – even when you include the men's match between CUI and APU that ended in a scoreless tie.
 
In the women's contest, CUI won almost every category when you compare stats in the box score. The Golden Eagles outshot the Cougars 10 to eight overall, had more shots on goal (six to four) and earned more corner kicks (six to only two for APU). They just could not ultimately solve APU's stingy defense.
 
CUI did have a handful of exciting chances on the attack. One of those big moments came about 20 minutes into the game, when sophomore Ashley Grubert took a deep shot but it sailed just over the top of the crossbar. 
 
Still seeking that equalizer in the second half, the Golden Eagles kept the pressure on.
 
A similar opportunity for CUI presented itself in the second half that mirrored how APU got its goal. CUI's Mya Stice earned a corner and Maddie Lauro put a header on target off the ensuing cross by Nikki Marino, but APU's goalie made a timely stop to preserve the 1-0 margin.
 
Nicole Ihlein made her first career start and put a shot on goal in the second half. Lauro had a breakaway opportunity late, but APU's defense snuck in to muck up the scoring chance before she could pass or get a shot off in the box.
 
It was an extremely physical game. APU was actually whistled for ten more fouls than the Golden Eagles.
 
Riley Urquiza also collected three saves for the Golden Eagles.
 
The loss means that every team in the PacWest has been defeated once. CUI missed an excellent opportunity to capitalize on other upsets around the league, as earlier on Saturday nationally ranked Hawaii Hilo also lost 3-1 at Westmont, while Point Loma crushed pesky Chaminade by a score of 3-0.

CUI sits in fourth place at the close of the weekend, but has played two fewer games than the first place Vulcans and are only six points behind them.

CLICK HERE for the updated PacWest women's soccer standings

Next up for the Golden Eagles will be three more road contests. A two-game road trip to Northern California begins on Halloween as CUI visits Dominican for a Thursday matinee at 3:30 p.m. before heading to Jessup on Saturday, Nov. 2 over in Rocklin.

The last home game of the year will be on Senior Day, which is Saturday, Nov. 9 against Hawai'i Pacific.

CLICK HERE for the updated CUI women's soccer schedule