IRVINE, Calif. - In the home opener for the Golden Eagles, they went up against nationally ranked Adelphi University in a rainy Southern California matchup.

As the two face-off players headed to the middle of the field, one could feel the energy from both teams despite the weather being cold and wet. The Panthers started the scoring in the 10th minute of the game, but the Golden Eagles weren't far behind.

Jeremy Barnes got CUI on the board just two minutes later in the quarter to make it a 1-1 game with 8 minutes left to go. After a slow start, the Panthers showed why they are ranked #2 in the nation, scoring 4 straight goals to end the first quarter up 5-1.

Trying to make something happen on the offensive end, Ryan Stiller found the back of the net with a nice feed from Jeremy Barnes. Unfortunately, just as in the first quarter, the Panthers flexed their muscles, and going into the half, they were up 10-2.

Coming back from the half, the Golden Eagles showed improvements on the defensive end in the middle of the 3rd quarter, which led to some great goals. The first of three goals in the period came with a man down from Chad McFadden and was assisted by Colin O'Connor. The next goal was with a man advantage via Brody McDonald, with another assist coming from Jeremy Barnes. The third tally was by freshman Noah Pillow with the assist coming from Chad McFadden, and that was also with CUI playing a man up.

The Golden Eagles held the Panthers scoreless in the fourth quarter of the game and added two more goals. One of the goals was by newcomer Parker Teel, who scored his first career NCAA DII goal with the assist coming from Matt Carresi.

Although the Golden Eagles scored the last four goals in the game, they were bested by the Panthers 15-7 in the cold and wet home opener.

CUI is home again on Saturday at 1 p.m. against No. 14 Rollins and then the following Saturday as well at 1 p.m. against RMAC opponent Adams State.

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