IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Golden Eagles narrowly conquered the visiting Azusa Pacific Cougars on Saturday, sending their seniors out in style with a 1-0 win in the final home match of their careers.

One of Concordia's eight seniors on this memorable day provided the big blow as Ryan Smith found the back of the net in the second half to catapult the Green and Gold to victory. He came charging into the box with a couple teammates when Miguel Arroyo sent a screamer there off a set piece. Smith won the second ball immediately after it deflected off an APU defender and before anyone could blink he had already net the eventual game-winner.
Smith now leads CUI with four goals on the season. He is also leading the squad with 10 total points.

Fellow senior defenders Adrian Jarquin and Domenyk Jara were also integral to keeping a clean sheet. They each made multiple sliding tackles and strategic defensive plays at big moments when the energy seemed to be shifting towards APU.

Sophomore goalkeeper Sebastian Marin made four brilliant saves including three stops in a very busy sequence around the 70th minute.  This included a point-blank denial off a header and some quick reflexes to redirect shots over the cross bar.

The final four matches of the regular season will feature CUI playing on the road. The annual Hawaii road trip is up next, with the Golden Eagles playing at Chaminade on Thursday, Oct. 23 followed by a hop over to Hawaii Hilo to play the Vulcans on Saturday, Oct 25 at 6 p.m. PT (which is 3 pm local Hawaiian Time)

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's soccer schedule

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