POMONA – Cal Poly Pomona opened the 2021 season at home Thursday night, hosting Concordia University of Irvine. Despite holding the shot upper hand (21-to-8), the Broncos found themselves in a 2-0 hole and rallied to equalize but couldn't keep the Eagles at bay late in the game, dropping the contest 3-2.
 
The Broncos begin the season 0-1-0, while Concordia starts the year off at 1-0-0.
 
Concordia scored two goals in the first 31 minutes of the game to head into halftime with a 2-0 lead, despite CPP firing off 12 shots to the visitor's five.
 
Things started to turn around in the 49^th minute when Paul Henschke broke through to cut the deficit in half, 2-1. Concordia fired off a shot in the 48^th minute that was blocked by a Bronco and Henschke capitalized on the counterattack.
 
The Broncos looked like they'd get the equalizer in the 56^th minute as Eduardo Faria put a shot on frame, but it was saved off the line by an Eagle defender to keep Concordia in front by one.
 
CPP kept the pressure on and was awarded a penalty kick in the 79^th minute. Henschke stepped up to the spot and converted it to tie the game at 2-2.
 
With less than three minutes left in regulation, Concordia struck again to go back in front 3-2.
 
Oscar Facey Griehsel gave the Broncos one last look, but it was just a little too far to the right before the final whistle blew.
 
CPP looks to shake off the first game as it hosts Point Loma on Saturday, kicking off at 7:00 p.m.