LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola had numerous chances throughout its season-opening match against Trinity Western University (B.C.), but was unable to find the net, suffering a 1-0 upset loss on Monday afternoon at Al Barbour Field.

The Eagles, ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Preseason Poll, drop to 0-1 on the season while the Trojans pick up their first victory to improve to 1-3 overall.

Chase Wickham got Trinity Western on the board early, scoring on a tough-angle shot in the 17th minute to put the visitors up 1-0. From there, the Spartans' defense weathered a barrage from the Eagles' offense to record the victory.

Biola had 10 corner kicks and recorded 15 shots in the match, but was unable to get one past goalkeeper Andrew Kowan, who recorded six saves for his first cleansheet of the year.

The Eagles had three corner kicks and as many free kicks within 25 yards in the first half, but could not convert on the opportunities. Kowan had three of his six saves in the first 16 minutes before the opening goal including stopping a blast by 2009 leading scorer Marco Ruvalcaba from 20 yards out in the 11th minute.

In the 21st minute, the Eagles had a great chance to score after a Spartan foul just outside of the box. Tony Montalvo stepped into the free kick and sent a shot toward the goal. But Kowan made a spectacular leaping save, barely pushing the ball over the bar. On the ensuing corner kick, Biola players twice were able to settle the ball only to see the ball cleared by the Trinity defense.

After halftime, the Eagles had a few more chances including another free kick from just outside of the box. Again Montalvo blasted the ball up near the crossbar only to see the Trinity keeper push it aside with a great leap.

Trinity Western tested the Biola defense throughout as well, recording seven shots in each half and forcing Biola netminder Aaron Fenlason to make three saves. Fenalson also did a fantastic job of coming off his line to intercept a number of dangerous crosses and keep the Eagles in the match.

The loss for Biola in its home opener was the first in nine seasons as the Eagles had been 7-0-2 in their previous nine such matches. The last loss was a 2-1 overtime defeat to cross-town foe Whittier College in 2001.

Biola now plays its next five matches on the road, starting the stretch with a match at NCAA Division II Cal State Los Angeles on Thursday (Sept. 2) beginning at 4:00 p.m.