Box Score IRVINE, Calif. --- The BU men's soccer team recorded a 2-0 loss to Concordia University Irvine on Wednesday afternoon at Eagles field. CUI (2-2, 2-2) out shot BU (1-4, 0-4) by a margin of 14-6 and controlled possession for most of the game.
While the final results aren't quite what Head Coach Torrey Striclkin and the Eagles had hoped for, they will continue to press forward and put it work during the offseason to improve on the shortened seasons marks.
"I will not lose hope in what I firmly believe is coming this fall with the players our staff has recruited, we look forward to that challenge. I am proud of our staff for not sacrificing our principles this year to try and chase a few more results," said Stricklin. "Long term we will be happy we handled this year the way we did. Internally there have been a lot of positive changes happening. I am encouraged with where we are going."
In the final game of the season for BU, five total players received penalties with three yellow cards and one red card being credited to BU.
Biola's best chances to score came from Lawrence Kwazema and Malik Shaheed. At the 23:00 mark Jonathan Serrano made a nice pass to lead Kwazema to the goal. Guarded tight by a CUI defender, Kwazema got his shot off but unfortunately it was in the vicinity of Mackenzie Hutchins for the save.
Kwazema would have two more opportunities to score for BU and Shaheed would have one that unfortunately could not get past Concordia's goalkeeper.
CUI found the back of the net first at the 26:28 mark on goal by Elijah Amadnin set up by Alex Perez. Concordia would add their second and final goal at the 43:03 mark before Luis Rodriguez would keep the Eagles scoreless for the remainder of the match while recording four total saves for BU.
Wednesday's contest marks the last of the season for BU as they finished 1-4 overall in the shortened 2020-21 season. The Eagles have established a solid foundation which is necessary for them to compete at a high level. Their organizational structure is now in place for the program to be successful moving forward.
"That is really what this first year was all about, we now have an organized and professional college soccer program that has a clear identity and purpose both on and off the field," said Stricklin. "I am proud of the players who have embraced the new culture and standards. They have done a great job of leading the way forward. We are all excited about this fall with some of the players we are returning and the group of players we have coming in. We can't wait for the full group to be together. August 14th can't get here soon enough."
Biola has plenty to build off of this season and carry into their training in preparation for the 2021 season in the fall. While today's loss was a tough blow for BU, Head Coach Torrey Stricklin continues to focus on the bigger picture, preparing for what's next.
