IRVINE, Calif. – After compiling ten shutouts a year ago, No. 22 Concordia started the new season in familiar fashion.

The Golden Eagles emerged with a dominant 4-0 victory over Cal State San Bernardino in the team's home opener.  Four goals in the first half and an impressive display of tactical passing allowed CUI to possess the ball for the majority of the contest.

Nikki Marino tallied the first goal of the 2024 season quickly in the ninth minute of play. The Golden Eagles swarmed the 'Yotes early and often, proving that their press could create some havoc. 

Maddie Lauro then connected with the back of the net off a pass from Marino to make it 2-0.  Hailey Havican had fed the ball ahead towards a cutting Marino from mid pitch, and after a defender briefly touched the ball, Marino swooped in to keep possession and found a streaking Lauro on a great angle. The senior cashed in before the CSUSB defense could get set.

Concordia got in a groove on the offensive attack late in the first half, as Sarah Venegas unleashed a beauty of a shot in the 36th minute of action.  Then just a few minutes before intermission, CUI found another opening down the far sideline. Sophomore Bella Barrett threaded a great thru ball ahead to a surging Sophia Munoz, who uncorked a fantastic shot from long range and placed it over the keeper to put CUI up 4-0 at the break.

Neither team scored in the second half and goalkeepers Riley Urquiza and Erica Ihlein protected the goal to combine for the clean sheet.

The Golden Eagles return to action next Friday, Sept. 13 against Cal State Dominguez Hills. The match is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m.

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