Beginning the game with an “Olé” soccer chant, the Cal State University, Los Angeles’ Golden Eagles were determined to win on their home field against Biola’s own Eagles Thursday. Both teams played a low-energy game with tight defensive strategies. However, despite several exciting offensive moments, Biola came up short with a 1-0 loss for the second game in a row.

Thirty-five minutes into the game, CSULA had a chance to score, sending a shot into the right goalpost as Biola keeper Aaron Fenlason dove for it. Another close call came 16 minutes in when senior Graham Foster used his head to stop a shot that Fenlason could not reach. With junior Cody Shelton’s return, Biola’s defense was stronger and more composed than in Monday’s game.

Responding to CSULA’s attempts, the Eagles brought their own offensive heat. Senior Jacob Ravenscraft received a long pass, pushed towards the goal but sent his shot left. Freshman Daniel Chew played well under pressure, almost scoring twice, only to be rejected by CSULA keeper James Irwin.

The first, and only, goal of the game came shortly after halftime when Biola’s defense got ahead of itself. CSULA’s Tim van den Bergh penetrated the gap and passed to fellow player Adam Hughes, who had an easy goal against an outnumbered Fenlason.

“I’m definitely at the point of frustration,” coach Bryan Kuderman said. “As is the team…We all know what we are capable of doing.”

Yet despite a disappointing season opening, the future still looks promising for the Eagles, considering they’ve been playing against NCAA Division II teams and have only allowed one goal per game. The team has another chance to score their first goal of the season Saturday in a non-conference match against Whittier College.