POMONA, Calif.---The Biola men's soccer team kicked off their 2025 season with an exciting 2-1 victory over the United Soccer Coaches' nationally-ranked No. 18 Cal Poly Pomona at Kellogg Stadium.

"It was a great start of the season," stated head coach Joey O'Keefe. "This was a top opponent and our guys were up for the fight."

O'Keefe continued, "Credit has to first be to our back line and goalkeeper, they were the glue to the operation and never snapped. They all put in a shift of work that was outstanding."

Francesco Tricarico served as Biola's goalkeeper against Cal Poly Pomona, recording five saves against the Broncos. The Eagles' backline featured Gauthier Caloz, Ethan Hardin, Ethan Michael, and David Setters. Caloz, Hardin and Michael played the full 90 against CPP. Setters was one minute shy, logging 89 minutes of action.

Lamar McKenzie scored Biola's first goal of the match, season and of his collegiate career. The Freshman put BU ahead 1-0 in the 41st minute.

O'Keefe reflected, "We had a freshman score the first goal of the season and he did it emphatically like a seasoned veteran. His youthful offensive energy and tenacity is fun to watch."

Brennan Furlan scored the Eagles' second goal which would end up being the game-winner against the nationally-ranked Broncos. Furlan's goal was scored in the 76th minute and was the fourth of his career.

"Brennan is a veteran in the program and scored a free kick that secured our win," shared O'Keefe. "He's practiced that same free kick a thousand times and I'm so proud of him for getting the pay off tonight that he's worked so hard for."

Two minutes later, CPP made their way on the board (2-1). The Eagles, with 12 minutes remaining in regulation, closed with a strong defensive performance to hold their lead. The Broncos were only able to take one more shot in the final 12 minutes that was off-target.

O'Keefe concluded, "We can celebrate for a few hours but it's right back to work, we play another phenomenal team in less than 48 hours. Can't wait to see what we're truly made of."

Next up for Biola is Cal State San Bernardino. The Eagles will face the Yotes at Al Barbour Field at 7 p.m.