IRVINE, Calif. — The Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Friday, going a perfect 2-0 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex to open up the UCI Round Robin Tournament. CUI opened the day with a hard-fought victory over Cal State Fullerton before returning to the pool later in the day to battle Pomona-Pitzer. The Golden Eagles showed offensive depth, defensive pressure and the ability to make plays in tight moments, finishing the day with back-to-back victories.
Game 1: CUI 13, CSUF 11
The Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles kicked off the 2026 campaign with a statement, defeating Cal State Fullerton 13-11 in the regular-season opener at the Anteater Aquatics Complex. CUI came out with an aggressive offensive attack, finding the back of the net 13 times on 34 shots while consistently creating opportunities against the Titans.
The Golden Eagles received contributions from throughout the lineup, with nine different players finding the back of the net. Joao Goncalves led the way, scoring three times on three shots while also adding an assist. Hugo Wouters and Dimitrios Koritsas both scored two goals each. Wouters contributed an assist as well, while Koritsas added an assist and two steals to his performance.
Concordia continued to find scoring from its depth, with Caleb Luby, Wes Brazda, Jadon Pendergrass, Levi Riegelmann, Canyon Johnson and Dante Soldati Ianora also finding the back of the net as the Golden Eagles maintained a balanced offensive attack throughout the contest.
Defensively, CUI applied consistent pressure and recorded six steals while forcing Fullerton to work for its offensive opportunities. Derek Maddox provided four saves in the cage for the Golden Eagles.
The 13-11 victory gave Concordia an important opening-day win and sent the Golden Eagles back into action later in the day with an opportunity to finish the opening day undefeated.
Game 2: CUI 12, PP 11
The Golden Eagles completed a perfect opening day Friday night, earning a thrilling 12-11 victory over Pomona-Pitzer at the Anteater Aquatics Complex. After defeating Cal State Fullerton earlier in the day, Concordia returned to the pool and once again found itself in a tightly contested battle. CUI answered the challenge, holding off the Sagehens to finish the day with a perfect 2-0 record.
Concordia's offense once again showcased its depth, scoring 12 goals on 25 shots. Ianora delivered one of the strongest performances of the game, scoring four goals on four shots taken, while adding three steals. Hugo Wouters and Levi Riegelmann each scored twice, rounding out the Golden Eagles' scoring.
Nicolas Fuchs played a major role in creating opportunities for his teammates, recording a team-high four assists while also scoring a goal. Riegelmann added an assist, while Wouters and Goncalves each contributed an assist as well.
Defensively, Concordia came through when it mattered most. The Golden Eagles recorded 11 steals, with Ianora leading the team with three, while goalkeeper Derek Maddox turned in an impressive performance with nine saves. Pomona-Pitzer continued to apply pressure throughout the game, but CUI consistently responded and maintained enough offensive production to preserve the lead.
With the final whistle, Concordia secured its second consecutive victory of the day, defeating Pomona-Pitzer 12-11 and completing a 2-0 opening day. After scoring 25 goals across its first two games and battling through two competitive finishes, the Golden Eagles will return tomorrow, August 19th for two games, one against the Lions from LMU and finishing with the UCI Anteaters.
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