Soccer

Golden Eagles Open Season with Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Stanislaus State

Bella Barrett and Ashley Grubert strike early as Concordia University Irvine defeats Stanislaus State in a tightly contested match

The Golden Eagles opened their 2026 campaign in dramatic fashion, edging Stanislaus State 2-1 in a match that saw senior forward Bella Barrett and midfielder Ashley Grubert find the net within 42 seconds of play.

Early Surge Sets Tone

Barrett’s quick strike not only gave Concordia an early lead but also moved her to second place on the school’s all‑time list for career game‑winning goals, a milestone that places her within reach of the all‑time record.

Grubert added her first goal of the season with a converted penalty that extended the lead to 2-0, showcasing the team’s ability to capitalize on set‑piece opportunities.

Freshman goalkeeper Christina Sidoti made five saves on her collegiate debut, earning her first victory and providing a steady presence between the posts.

Head coach Chris Gould praised the squad’s composure and leadership, emphasizing that the early chemistry will be crucial as the schedule shifts to tougher non‑conference opponents.

The Golden Eagles will next host Cal Poly Humboldt on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. PT, then travel to Cal State San Bernardino on September 5 at 6:30 p.m. PT, a pair of matches that promise further tests for the young roster.

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