La Sierra University

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Elias Quintanar Macias scored with 17 seconds remaining in the first half, and the La Sierra University Golden Eagles protected the one-goal advantage to defeat Pacific Union (CA) 2-1 on Aug. 30 at La Sierra University. The victory moved the Golden Eagles to 2-0-0, while Pacific Union fell to 0-2-0.

Daniel Garcia opened the scoring at 22:42 by finishing a sustained La Sierra attack. A shot by Elias Quintanar Macias was saved before an attempt from Carlos Leon's struck the crossbar, leaving Daniel Garcia to convert the ensuing chance for a 1-0 lead. Elias Quintanar Macias then doubled the margin at 44:43, scoring an unassisted goal just before halftime. The eventual game-winner capped a four-shot performance that included two attempts on goal.

Pacific Union responded early in the second half when Yousufu Siaway scored at 48:35, cutting the Golden Eagles' lead to 2-1. La Sierra immediately pushed forward, and Adrian Navarro hit the crossbar on the Golden Eagles' next attack. Damian Jimenez later placed a shot on target at 54:33, but a Pacific Union team save kept the margin at one.

The Golden Eagles' defense handled the pressure from there. Reserve goalkeeper Angel Ayon entered and made three saves in 30:01 [minutes] without allowing a goal. Angel Ayon denied a header from Yousufu Siaway at 69:01, stopped another Yousufu Siaway attempt at 70:51 and turned away Domonic Cavin's at 73:57. Damian Jimenez added two defensive saves, while Alvaro Romero recorded another. Starting goalkeeper Abraham Perez made one save in 59:59.

Each team finished with 13 shots, but Pacific Union held an 8-5 edge in shots on goal. La Sierra earned four corner kicks and committed nine fouls while overcoming seven offside calls. With 150 in attendance, the Golden Eagles closed out the final 41 minutes after Pacific Union's goal and preserved their unbeaten start through Angel Ayon's second-half work in goal.

The Golden Eagle's will be back in action on Friday September 4^th as they take on Bethesda in a rematch from their season opener.