LA MIRADA--- The Biola University men's soccer team (1-3-2) held nothing back in their 3-0 shutout over rival Azusa Pacific (2-4-1).

Tonight's victory was joyous for the Eagles for several reasons. First off, the men received some revenge after losing twice to APU in the previous 2021 season, including a 3-2 overtime nail-biter on Senior Day. Secondly, they scored a solid non-conference win. Last of all, Biola improved their standing in the 2022-23 Cornerstone Cup rivalry series. There has been two Cornerstone Cup matches thus far and both have been won by BU: tonight's men's soccer match and a volleyball matchup that was on September 25.

Al Barbour Field was buzzing after the performance demonstrated by the men's soccer squad. The Eagles came together to score three goals in the 17th, 67th, and 77th minutes.

"As a team I'm so proud of the resiliency we showed tonight," reflected head coach Joey O'Keefe. "We have all the right tools to have a special season but tonight was the first time everything came together in the right way. If we can continue playing with the passion and desire we showed tonight then  I think we're going to be a very threatening team in our conference."

Biola made their first impression in the first frame with a goal that was assisted by Ethan Hardin and executed by the Eagles' leading scorer, Kristian Colaci.

The Eagles held their lead throughout the remainder of the game, widening the gap with two goals in the final half.

A yellow card on Azusa Pacific gave Biola their next opportunity to score. Moritz Reigel took the free kick and sent the ball in the box to defender Izaac Zausch who scored his first goal of the season and fourth of his career at BU.

The Red and Black's final blow was delivered by none other than Colaci, thanks to the help of teammates Jakob Schnitzler and Nathan Kovalcik. This was Colaci's second multi-goal game at Biola, which gave him six goals on the season and should rank him in the top 20 for the most goals per game in NCAA Division II. 

JD Gunn held a strong presence in the goal, holding the Cougars scoreless with three saves.

The men's soccer competes next Saturday, September 24 against Concordia University Irvine, click here for more game day information.