IRVINE -- Cal State LA's women's soccer team came out on the right side of a tight 1-0 battle against Concordia Thursday night to open its 2023 season.

The fact the game ended in a 1-0 decision wasn't a surprise as the two West Region contenders had a pair contests decided by that narrow margin last season with Cal State LA prevailing in the regular season in Los Angeles and Concordia returning the favor in Hawaii in a first-round NCAA playoff game.

So Thursday's tight contest between two nationally-ranked opponents certainly followed the script.

After being outshot 9-1 in the opening half, Cal State LA found its footing the second half, eventually netting the lone goal of the game in the 65th minute from newcomer Delia Bocanegra. She got an assist from Thaiz Hernandez, one of Cal State LA's outstanding defenders who earned All-CCAA and All-West Region accolades last season.

Taesja Paopao got her Cal State LA career off to a strong start as well, making five saves in goal to earn the shutout win. Cal State LA recorded 13 shutouts last season.

No. 17 Concordia, the preseason PacWest Conference favorites, ended the game with a 13-4 shots advantage, while Cal State LA had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. 

Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday with another top PacWest program, Point Loma, at 3 p.m. in San Diego.