RIVERSIDE, CA --- A pair of
quick strikes put the NAIA's No. 24 Concordia in a 2-0 hole just nine
minute into the game, and the Eagles never got on the scoreboard in a
3-0 upset by unranked California Baptist in both teams' GSAC finale
Saturday afternoon.
The loss marks Concordia's third consecutive winless game to end the season, as the Eagles enter the first round of the GSAC Playoffs with a record of 9-6-2, including 5-3-2 GSAC.
California Baptist wins its first matchup against the Eagles since 2001, a stretch of seven games, as the Lancers clinch a berth in the GSAC Playoffs with a mark of 5-6-4, 4-5-1 GSAC.
The Lancers took the lead for good in the third minute, when Spenser Steele found Josh Cormier for the eventual game-winner.
California Baptist kept the momentum alive with its second goal, as Michael Corral collected a loose ball that had caromed off the hands of junior goalkeeper
Mike Radchuk and found the net to make it a 2-0 game in the ninth minute.
The Lancers scored their third goal in the 38th minute, when Gabriel Gonzalez tucked away a penalty kick to seal the win.
Radchuk ended the day with one save, while California Baptist keeper Jeff Redinger turned away five shots from Concordia, which was playing without four starters after playing without three starters in a scoreless tie against Hope International earlier in the week.
The Eagles' scoreless streak stretches to 290 minutes with its third shutout in a row.
Concordia will most likely host Vanguard in round one of the GSAC Playoffs this Wednesday (Nov. 4), with details on the game to be released Monday.