RIVERSIDE --- In front of a capacity crowd of 1,553, including 1,102 CBU students taking in Welcome Weekend, the Lancers played host to Cal Poly for the first-ever meeting of the soon-to-be Big West rivals. Goals in both halves gave the raucous crowd plenty to cheer, as a 2-0 win extended CBU's season-opening win streak to three.
 
"Tonight was a very challenging game against a very difficult and experienced opponent," said head coach Coe Michaelson. "For me, the two keys to the game were that we were always dangerous on  counters and that we had the resilience as a group to stay strong even when they had phases  of the game on top of us. Stavi, Hugo, and the whole back four were vital to that aspect of this win. It's great to be 3-0, but we still have so much room to grow and improve. It's nice to win while we are still figuring things out."

Possession in the first half was controlled by the Mustangs, with Cal Poly controlling the ball 59 percent of the half. But the lone goal came from the Lancers, as captain Drew Hardin slotted a penalty kick into the lower left corner of the goal to put his side ahead, 1-0.
 
 
The penalty was awarded after junior Felix Ezekwuka was taken down inside the penalty area.
 
Cal Poly continued to control possession in the second half, but the stone wall of CBU's backline, led by goalkeeper Hugo Do Rego, stymied their counterparts from San Luis Obispo. This resulted in a CBU offense built off the counterattack, with the Lancers cashing in on a second goal in the 73rd minute.
 
Sophomore Blake D'Agostino collected a pass from Leon Suzuki up the sideline and then dribbled into striking distance, where he then placed the ball past the reach of goalkeeper Nicky McCune, giving D'Agostino his second goal of the season and a 2-0 lead for the Lancers.
 
The Lancers ended the day with more offensive production, totaling 18 shots to Cal Poly's 10. Do Rego ended his first shutout of the season with four saves, opposed by five from McCune.
 
It was a physical match, with the center referee issuing seven cautions (5 CBU, 2 CPO). The foul count was split evenly with 13 per side.
 
Now 3-0, a first in the program's Division I era, the Lancers will continue their season with a trip south on the 15. CBU will be in San Diego on Thursday night to battle the Torreros, with kick off coming on ESPN+ at 7 p.m.
 
The Lancers will be back at home on Monday, September 8, when they welcome Big West opponent Cal State Fullerton. Tickets are on sale HERE.