SAN MARCOS, Calif. – In their final non-conference match before opening PacWest play, the nationally ranked Golden Eagles kept the theme going and locked down their fifth straight clean sheet.

Facing Cal State San Marcos in their first road match of the year, the CUI women's squad extended its unbeaten streak to five games and once again held firm to its identity.

The first 45 minutes were a defensive struggle as the squads battled for possession. Neither team could get in to a rhythm as only a handful of shots were attempted.

After intermission, the Cougars came out hard and pieced together some scoring chances. CUI was on its heels for a bit, just focusing on kicking the ball out of bounds to reset its defense and provide that wall around goalie Riley Urquiza.

About 15 minutes into the second half, momentum started to shift back to Concordia's side for a short stretch.

Sarah Venegas had a breakaway shot blocked after a great lead pass by the tea's leading goal scorer Hailey Havican. Then a couple minutes later, Maddie Lauro uncorked one from outside the box that had a chance, but it did not find the back of the net.

Venegas and Bella Barrett both led CUI with two shots apiece. Venegas showed off some bursts of speed as she has this first month of the season in key spots for her team. Barrett and her fellow midfielders and forwards drew lots of attention from the Cougars as windows closed quickly on that half of the field.

CUI finished with five shots on goal, while CSUSM only had three.

Urquiza came up with a couple key stops down the stretch and finished with three saves. Both teams wound up with seven shots in the box score, but Cal State San Marcos earned more corners (5 to 1) and also had more fouls (11 to 5).

This marks the 15th time in the last 23 matches that CUI women's soccer has not conceded a goal. 

CUI improved to 4-0-1 and now brings a five-game unbeaten streak into the conference opener at Menlo College this Saturday. That contest begins at 2 p.m. in Atherton after the men play first at 11:00 a.m. It's the first meetings between the two schools since Menlo joined the NCAA DII ranks and the PacWest Conference.

Their next home game will be next Thursday, Oct. 3 when Biola comes to town as part of a conference doubleheader. The CUI men will face off first at 4 p.m. followed by the women's match at 6:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the CUI women's soccer schedule