BOX SCORE
LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola moved to a perfect 5-0-0 to start the season for the first time in the program's 48-year history with a 4-1 win over the Academy of Art in a non-conference match on Monday afternoon.
The Eagles (5-0-0) received two goals each from a pair of newcomers as sophomore Kennedy Chongo and freshman Marco Ruvalcaba scored twice to pace the offense.
Chongo got Biola on the board first with a impressive run, beating two defenders on a long breakaway, then slipping a quick shot past the goalkeeper in the 10th minute of the match.
The Academy of Art (1-4-2), an NCAA Division II school in its first year of varsity competition, knotted the game in the 28th minute. Emmanual Onywera scored the tying goal with a flick over the charging Biola keeper after getting a nice pass from Richard Luna.
The Eagles managed to get the lead back in the 37th minute as Phillip Friehe found Ruvalcaba with a great pass behind the defense. The freshman than beat the goalie one-on-one to give Biola a 2-1 halftime lead.
In the second half, Biola continued to dominated play and managed to take a 3-1 lead on another goal by Chongo. The sophomore transfer headed a cross past the Academy of Art netminder in the 72nd minute to provide a measure of breathing room for the Eagles. Chongo's goal came off a great cross from Derek Friehe.
Ruvalcaba capped the scoring in the 90th minute with a quick touch in the far side of the box, barely staying onside after getting a pass from senior Nick Bautista.
Biola had numerous chances to score in the game, outshooting the Academy of Art 24-6. The Urban Knights' goal keeper Jose Herrera made four saves and did an outstanding job of cutting off crosses and coming off his line to keep the Eagles from scoring more than they did.
Biola sophomore netminder Tyler Higgins also played well in goal, allowing the single tally by the Academy of Art, but shutting down a number of other chances by the Urban Knights throughout the contest. Higgins had three saves en route to earning his fifth victory of the season.
Chongo's two goals give him four in five games this season with Ruvalcaba having three thus far.
The Eagles return to the pitch on Saturday (Sept. 20), traveling to Arizona to face Embry-Riddle University at 7:00 p.m.
