Amadin’s late goal lifts Concordia to first victory

Concordia University Irvine sophomore Elijah Amadin hugs teammate Ari Claro No. 4) and is congratulated by his fellow Eagles after scoring the game-winning goal Wednesday.

The Concordia University Irvine men’s soccer team earned its first victory of the season in thrilling fashion Wednesday afternoon against Cal Poly Pomona.

With the match knotted 2-2 in the 89th minute, Concordia’s Elijah Amadin cashed in on a breakaway to stun the visitors and give the Eagles the 3-2 victory.

Amadin had a small opening as he approached the box and deftly booted the ball to the bottom right corner. The ball trickled past the goalkeeper for the difference-maker after a tough battle on both sides.

Concordia senior forward Connor Gordon tallied his first two goals of the season in the first half.

Gordon led the Eagles in scoring in 2016 and missed all but three contests last year after suffering an ankle injury.

The Eagles (1-3) continued their aggressive play and garnered more fouls than their opposition for the fourth straight match.

CUI returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 16 on the road against Cal State San Bernardino.

The Eagles next home match will also double as the soccer squad’s “Code Yellow” for this season.

Fans, students and alumni are encouraged to wear yellow or gold that day and come cheer on the Eagles in their conference opener on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. against Fresno Pacific.