SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Playing a regular season game for the first time as a NCAA DII-sponsored sport, the Concordia University Irvine men's lacrosse team wasted little time announcing its presence on a new playing field.

Combating both the rain and their future Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponents from Dominican, CUI steamrolled its way to an emphatic 24-8 non-conference win.

"I thought they did a great job controlling their excitement with their first NCAA D2 game and managing expectations with an early season game," said CUI head coach Jesse Foss. "You could sense some nerves early on but we settled in around half way through the first quarter. Then you could see the boys start executing on all cylinders."

All-American face-off specialist Cade Poe dominated in the X by winning a phenomenal 92 percent of the draws (23-for-25) while scooping up 20 ground balls.

Matt Carressi also starred in his Concordia debut with six goals. Chad McFadden was up to his old tricks once again with seven points (five goals and two assists). 

The offense was on fire and extremely balanced as well. 11 different Golden Eagles found the back of the net for at least one goal before the final whistle.

Amazingly, CUI also limited Dominican to only two goals through the first three periods.

"As good as our offense was it was our defense that really controlled the game," added Foss.

Goalie Daniel Yang led the squad with seven saves on 10 shots through the first three quarters. A ton of players got to join the action in the fourth quarter with the game already well in hand.

Up next for the Golden Eagles is the home opener this Friday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. against Westminster. It will be the RMAC conference opener and the first game back at home that counts for CUI since the Golden Eagles won the MCLA National Championship

CLICK HERE for the updated CUI men's lacrosse schedule