IRVINE, Calif. - The Golden Eagles are ready for their second year at the NCAA Division 2 level. In 2024, after a tough regular season, Concordia was able to learn to put together a great run in the RMAC conference playoffs. Knocking off No. 15 Westminster in the semifinals and losing to No. 17 Colorado Mesa in overtime in the championship game. It was a year of firsts for the Golden Eagles including leading the entire country in man down percentage. There are high hopes in Irvine and it starts with a talented group of returners, transfers, and freshmen.

If defense wins championship, then the Golden Eagles are in a great position to make a run. The close defense graduated First Team All-Conference defenseman Braden Schneider but brings back Eddie McCann) and Colin O'Connor (RMAC All-Tournament Team) to anchor the team down low. Connor Kuhl (LSM), Ben Gorelick (SSDM), and Bryan Parr (SSDM) have made big improvements and are ready to take on bigger roles. SAAC representative Jake Cloutier is also back after missing the 2024 season due to injury, and was the No. 1 defenseman heading into spring 2024. His skill and leadership on the field will really bolster the close defense.

In addition, there are two transfers that have made a splash early this fall. CSU Pueblo transfer Bergen Anderson (close defense) was a RMAC Second Team All-Conference selection for his former team in 2024. Cam Morris (LSM) also transferred in from Chapman University (MCLA) where he was a multiple time All-American. The Golden Eagles expect Morris to be a nightmare between the boxes on both sides of the ball.

On offense, the team graduated First Team All-Conference midfielder Nick Beeson but returns all other major contributors. The offense will run through Chad McFadden (RMAC 2^nd team All-Conference), Matt Carresi (RMAC All Tournament selection), and Jeremy Barnes. McFadden was a steady contributor putting up 51 points (35 goals, 16 assists) in 2024. Carresi finished the 2024 season playing his best lacrosse and looks in prime form to start the fall. Barnes has the potential to be a dynamic player and the coaches are looking for him to make an impact this year. There are a few transfers also excited to contribute, including John Copley (Lindenwood), who is an old-school do-it-all two-way midfielder. Brody MacDonald (Aurora) is a skilled attacker that put up 229 points during his time there. In addition, there are a few freshmen that have the potential to contribute in their first year.

Where the Golden Eagles excel is at the specialty positions. It starts in goal with Daniel Yang (RMAC Second Team All-Conference goalie) who played his best in the biggest moments. Newcomer, Joey Heckel (Anderson) has looked great in net and will battle for the starting spot. Former All-American Cade Poe (RMAC 1^st Team All-Conference) is a game changer at the Face Off. Poe won 67 percent of the time at the X last year and finished No. 7 in the country at Face Off wins.

The Golden Eagles have a great out of conference schedule to test themselves and prepare for RMAC conference play. That begins with a road trip this weekend up in San Rafael, where they will get a rematch with RMAC champion Colorado Mesa on a neutral site and then play host Dominican on their own field.

CUI then heads to Florida for spring break to play Florida Southern, St. Leo, and Tampa. Out of conference play wraps up with some great opportunities in the first home games of the season with 2024 National Champion Adelphi and Rollins University coming out to Southern California in early March.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's lacrosse schedule

The addition of a Play-In Automatic Qualifier game between the winner of the RMAC and the winner of the Peach Belt makes the 2025 season an interesting and exciting proposition. The Golden Eagles are ready to take the lessons learned in 2024 along with a talent roster and reach new heights.

CLICK HERE to read more about how the RMAC and Peach Belt are combining forces to help both leagues be involved in the NCAA Postseason

CUI was picked third in the RMAC Preseason Poll, with returning conference champ Colorado Mesa and Westminster splitting the votes as Preseason Favorites.