Box Score
Carson, CA – Senior Sammy Rivas got the 16th-ranked Toros off to a quick start with his first goal of the season at the 3:17 mark, but visiting Concordia University took advantage of missed CSUDH opportunities both in regulation and in overtime, seizing a 3-2 OT win in both teams' season opener.
CSUDH looked sharp to begin the contest as junior Alberto Garcia sent a 40 yard pass to Andrew Marinez, who threaded his pass to a waiting Rivas at the foot of the goal for a quick 1-0 lead.
The Eagles would answer just 14 minutes later as a through ball from Joel Smith found Eric Mendoza in stride, and Mendoza's strike beat CSUDH goalie Justin Commins who was making his first career start for the Toros, top shelf for the equalizer.
CUI's Jeff Clark took advantage of that momentum just nine minutes later, intercepting an errant pass deep in the Toros' zone and beating Commins far side for the 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The Toros had a golden opportunity to equalize before halftime as Scott Mariano was awarded a penalty kick after a foul inside the Eagle box, but his shot was stoned cold by CUI goalie Mike Borst, and Mariano's rebound attempt sailed wide with just 53 ticks left on the clock, shades of last season's PK woes when CSUDH converted just 3 of 6 attempts.
After intermission, the Toros found new life as newcomer Gus Zarate took a cross from Jose Serpas at the 64:37 mark, and tied the game with his blast far post.
The Toros had chances to take the lead, outshooting CUI 8-4, but failed to connect on their opportunities as the teams ended regulation even.
In the extra frame, CUI's Clark struck again with just under two minutes left in overtime, taking an Eric Mendoza cross and heading it top shelf far post for the game-winner.
CSUDH outshot the Eagles 21-12, and out-cornered CUI 3-2, while the Eagles' Mike Borst made four saves compared to three by the Toros' duo of Commins and Brendon Welch.
The Toros travel to Phoenix to take on Grand Canyon, before returning home for an NCAA postseason rematch with Seattle University on Sunday, September 2, with first kick scheduled for 6 pm in Toro Stadium.
