IRVINE, Calif. – For the third straight home game, the nationally ranked Golden Eagles dominated possession and secured victory by creating separation from a non-conference opponent.
No. 19 Concordia University Irvine secured its third straight clean sheet to open the 2024 season by beating the San Francisco State Gators 2-0 on Thursday evening.
The Golden Eagles improved to 3-0 in September during their first homestand of the fall.
Both teams tried to get into a rhythm during the first 20 minutes of action. Then midway through the first half,
Nikki Marino flicked the ball to
Hailey Havican in the box. Havican stayed with it and fought off a defender before unleashing a straight shot past the goalkeeper to put CUI in front 1-0.
Roughly 20 minutes later,
Ashley Grubert provided an amazing exclamation point shortly before intermission. With the first half clock winding down, she found herself unmarked with the ball and space in front of her.
Grubert decided to let it fly and it was clearly a great decision. She uncorked a beautiful curling shot that beat the goalie to the delight of the Green and Gold. The Gators were stunned and suddenly down 2-0 in the 44th minute.
CUI live stream broadcaster Jon Ilten called it one of the most impressive goals he has seen from a Concordia soccer player over the last decade.
Grubert becomes the seventh player to score a goal already this season. Havican now leads the squad with three goals and six total points.
Goalkeeper
Riley Urquiza made two saves and the back line helped her protect the Concordia goal with ease.
CUI has yet to concede a score and has now outscored its opponents 9-0 after its first three matches. Going back to last season's incredible run of nine consecutive clean sheets, and how the 2023 women's soccer squad set a new school record with 10 shutouts in a season, this means that over the past two years, CUI women's soccer has shutout 13 opponents.
The Golden Eagles are back in action this Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. against Cal Poly Humboldt.
CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's soccer schedule
