Irvine, Calif - The CUI men's lacrosse team opened its 2026 campaign with a high-energy, experience-building matchup, falling 22–10 to Westminster on Saturday afternoon at Golden Eagles Field. While the score favored the Griffins, the afternoon was defined by growth, opportunity, and promising moments as a large group of Golden Eagles made their collegiate debuts in front of the home crowd.
CUI wasted no time showing fight, trading goals early and matching Westminster stride for stride in the opening quarter. Hans Sweatt sparked the Golden Eagles with an unassisted goal, followed quickly by scores from Noah Pillow and Justin Yoon, as Concordia erased an early deficit and evened the game at 3–3 midway through the first. The Golden Eagles' ball movement and confidence were evident, setting the tone for an aggressive offensive approach.
Offensively, Concordia showcased its depth and youth throughout the afternoon. Jack Lepore led the Golden Eagles with three goals, including a strong stretch in the third quarter where CUI found the net five times in just over three minutes. Pillow added two goals, while Jeremy Barnes, Dylan MacDonald, Alex Torgesen, Sweatt, and Yoon each contributed to the scoring column. The third-quarter surge highlighted the team's potential, as Concordia cut into the deficit and generated momentum with quick strikes and unassisted finishes.
Beyond the box score, the day marked an important milestone for the program, as numerous Golden Eagles logged their first collegiate minutes. The debut-heavy lineup competed with poise against an experienced Westminster squad, gaining valuable reps in live-game situations that will pay dividends as the season progresses. Defensively, CUI battled through extended possessions and physical play, continuing to compete until the final whistle.
Despite the final result, the Golden Eagles walked away with valuable experience, flashes of offensive firepower, and a clear foundation to build upon. With a young roster now tested under game conditions, Concordia looks ahead with optimism as it continues its 2026 season, confident that Saturday's debut-filled opener was an important first step forward.
NEXT UP:
The Golden Eagles will play a cluster of away games, and then return back home on March 12th against Northwest Nazarene for Military Appreciation Night.
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