Despite leading twice in the Golden State Athletic Conference championship game, men’s soccer gave up a late goal and fell to conference rivals Concordia University Irvine 3-2.
Senior forward Daniel Chew got things going in the 22nd minute when midfielder Joey O’Keefe took a shot at goal. The sophomore was denied, but the rebound bounced right to Chew who slid the ball home to put Biola on the board first.
The score remained constant throughout the remainder of the half, despite Biola outshooting Concordia 9-2. CUI keeper Jordan Brinkley was called upon to make several saves during the half to keep his team within striking distance.
In the 59th minute, Concordia drew level after a through ball to forward Isaac Gettis broke down the BU defense. The equalizer wouldn’t stand for long though, as five minutes later, Chew scored his second of the game to bring the score to 2-1.
Concordia had their second equalizer of the game in the 76th minute when freshman defender Ryan Cooley was issued a yellow card for a foul inside the box. The foul resulted in a penalty kick, which forward Mario Soto converted.
Then with five minutes remaining in the match, Gettis scored his second goal of the game off a rebounded shot to put the CUI Eagles up 3-2. O’Keefe had an opportunity to tie the game again in the 90th, but his shot was blocked as Concordia cruised to their second-straight GSAC title.
A DISAPPOINTING END
Disappointment from the loss was followed by even more disappointment on Sunday night, when Biola was informed they had not received an at-large bid for the NAIA tournament. The Eagles were one spot away in the final MRPI ratings and will miss nationals for the second-straight year.
As a whole, the season proved to be a huge improvement from the 2012 season for the men’s soccer team. The Eagles finished this year at 14-4-1 and second in the GSAC standings.
Todd Elkins goes to 23-11-2 in his first year as head coach of both men’s and women’s soccer teams.
The biggest hit for the men will be losing Chew, who is in his last year of eligibility. The senior has a team-leading 18 goals this season, also adding one assist and going 2-2 on PKs.
The off-season will be a tough transition period for the Eagles, but thanks to underclassmen leadership of players such as O’Keefe and sophomore midfielder John Hanscom, the team appears to be heading in the right direction.
The sting of missing a shot at nationals will eventually wear off, and for those players staying, the off season will be a time to step up their game and get back to nationals.
