IRVINE, Calif. - In the battle of green and gold, the Broncos kicked off their road schedule with a gritty 2-1 win over Concordia University Irvine on Wednesday afternoon. Cal Poly Pomona struck twice in the first half and held off a late surge from the Eagles to secure their first victory of the 2025 season.
Playing on the road for the first time this season, the Broncos wasted little time asserting themselves. In the 21st minute, forward
Sam Lena broke the deadlock with a composed low finish to the right side, giving Cal Poly Pomona a 1-0 lead.
Just over ten minutes later,
Jakob Singh capitalized on an assist from
Mads Frederiksen, sending a high shot past the keeper to double the lead to 2-0.
The Broncos were efficient in front of goal, converting two of their three first-half shots on target, and outshooting Concordia 7-6 before halftime. Goalkeeper
Luke Garciduenas kept Concordia scoreless in the opening 45 minutes with two key saves.
The Eagles clawed one back in the 72nd minute, cutting the Broncos' lead to 2-1. But the Broncos' defense stood tall, shutting down any chance of an equalizer.
Statistically, the game was a close affair. The Broncos slightly edged Concordia in total shots, registering 12 attempts compared to the Eagles' 11. Cal Poly Pomona also led in shots on goal with four to Concordia's three. However, the Eagles dominated in corner kicks, winning six to the Broncos' single corner opportunity.
Ultimately, Cal Poly Pomona's ability to convert key chances and maintain defensive resilience under pressure made the difference in this tightly contested matchup.
Up Next:
The Broncos return to Kellogg Stadium to host Westmont College on Saturday, September 13
th at 7:00 PM.
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