IRVINE, Calif. – A rare Monday matinee wound up as the second straight opportunity for the Concordia University Irvine women's soccer team to enjoy a 4-0 victory against a non-conference opponent.

Sarah Venegas scored twice against San Francisco State and goalkeepers Riley Urquiza and Erica Ihlein combined for the shutout as CUI cruised to its third victory of the season by leading for nearly the entire match.

Ashley Grubert opened the scoring in the very first minute by capitalizing on a loose ball right away when it was presented to her on the doorstep. Thinking quickly, the former Third Team All-Conference player pounced with a smart shot in the box and caught the entire SFSU defense off guard. The Gators were playing from behind from that point forward.

Venegas converted a penalty kick shortly before halftime to extend Concordia's advantage to 2-0 at the break.

Venegas scored again in the 52nd minute after whittling her way down the right side by herself. She maneuvered her way into the box while shaking multiple defenders and unleashed a shot that crossed the line past the keeper to make it 3-0 Concordia.

With the game in hand, a senior connection worked to perfection when Mya Stice boxed out a defender to keep possession for her squad and then deftly broke free for a split second. She saw Hailey Havican calling for the ball on a smart cut and threaded the needle to give her teammate a chance. Havican made the most of her opportunity and there was nothing the defense could do to counter. That rounded out the scoring as CUI prevailed 4-0 and improved to 3-1-1 on the young season.

Next up for the Golden Eagles is part two of their road trip up north.  After participating in Concordia Serves Day remotely on Tuesday, CUI visits Cal State Monterey Bay this Wednesday, Sept. 24 with match time set for a 1:30 p.m. start.

The Golden Eagles then return back to Southern California for a non-conference tilt this Saturday, Sept 27 at 11:00 a.m. against PacWest foe Vanguard in their final tune-up before the actual league opener.

It will be the following Saturday, Oct. 4 when CUI welcomes Dominican to town for the first PacWest Conference doubleheader of the year.  The ladies play first against the Penguins with a Noon start time followed by the men at 2:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's soccer schedule