IRVINE -- Cal State LA's men's soccer team returned to the pitch for the 2026 season and got off to a winning start Thursday with a 1-0 victory over Concordia University Irvine.
Angel Sandres scored Cal State LA's first goal of the 2026 season just 3:10 into the match to give the Golden Eagles the early advantage.
That was enough offensive support for
Abraham Ramirez, who made one save while playing all 90 minutes to record the shutout. The Golden Eagle defense limited Concordia University Irvine to just one shot on goal for the match.
Cal State LA had six shots, with three on goal, and held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Jose Mariscal had a team-high two shots for the Golden Eagles, while Sandres,
Jose Lopez and Mariscal each had one shot on goal.
The Golden Eagles wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Sandres struck in the fourth minute to give Cal State LA a 1-0 lead.
Cal State LA continued to create opportunities in the opening half, with Lopez putting a shot on goal in the 21st minute. The Golden Eagles finished the opening 45 minutes with five shots while their defense kept CUI without a shot on goal to take the 1-0 advantage into halftime.
The Golden Eagles had another scoring opportunity in the 60th minute when Mariscal put a shot on goal that was saved.
CUI recorded its only shot on goal in the 78th minute when Aaron Nour sent a shot toward the bottom left, but Ramirez made the save to preserve the 1-0 lead. The Golden Eagles remained stout and kept CUI from putting another attempt on goal over the remainder of the match to secure the season-opening victory.
Cal State LA will return to action on Saturday with a home match against Vanguard beginning at 7 p.m. in University Stadium. You can watch all the action live on Flo College.
