A packed house, a tall task, a close game. Biola University had home-field advantage for its season opener against Cal Poly Pomona Broncos on a hot Thursday night at Al Barbour field.
THE SCENE IS SET
The Biola Men’s Soccer Team entered Thursday’s match with high expectations, questions and a formidable opponent. The Eagles placed sixth in the PacWest Conference last season with a 5-8-5 record. However, this season is filled with hope, bolstered by the growth of experience and good continuity among returning players who looked to start this season strong.
Despite a 90-degree evening and a delayed start time, Al Barbour Field was packed. The Red Sea spilled out of the bleachers into large crowds of Eagle and Bronco supporters. The word had spread, and the night promised to be an exciting one for Biolans.
KICKOFF
Facing the 10th ranked NCAA DII Team, according to United Soccer Coaches, the Eagles started off determined defensively and sought to counterattack quickly with their fleet-footed forwards in Biola white. The Broncos were offensive in their approach, putting Eagles’ defenders under repeated pressure from the outset. But the stout Eagle backline held firm, adopting a bend-but-not-break approach throughout the first half.
It was a scrappy, hard-fought half of soccer, featuring five total shots and 22 fouls–11 apiece for each side. Physicality and defenses reigned supreme. Biola found the visiting defense difficult to penetrate but aimed to make adjustments in the second half. This first half certainly encouraged all Biolans in attendance and on the field.
SEPARATION
After the break, the Eagles showed the same determination as the first half, with their bend-but-not-break approach defensively. The Broncos continued trying to methodically break down the Biolan defensive line, while the home team sought to counterattack. Not much changed in the first 15 minutes of the half.
The Broncos demonstrated their national ranking by executing a clinical, skilled passing move from the midfield out to the wing, crossing into the 18-yard box, meeting a Cal Poly Pomona attacker in front of the home goal. The Broncos’ Woody Angell fired the ball into the back of the net to give the visitors their second goal of the evening.
After the Broncos ended the scoreless drought, the Eagles pressed more aggressively, taking more risks and getting shots on goal. However, the visitors would go on to score again in the 87th minute, showing their skill once more and doubling their lead.
MOVING FORWARD
Cal Poly Pomona came out on top in Biola’s home opener, but the Eagles defended their home turf well. They showed determination and teamwork defensively, never backing down from the high-caliber opposition. While there is room for improvement in upcoming games, the team has clearly grown in experience and skill, giving supporters reason to hope the Eagles will soar this season.
