SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos women's soccer team displayed physicality and the ability to find the net from close range, pulling away to defeat Concordia Irvine 2-0 Thursday afternoon in the Cougars' inaugural game as full NCAA members. It was the season opener for both teams and marked both school's maiden Division II match.
 
"It's a great result and that's a really good team (Concordia)," CSUSM head coach Bobby Renneisen said. "We've opened up the season the last three years with draws, so to get on the right side of it is a big momentum swing."
 
CSUSM started the season with two header goals, one in each half via different scenarios. Senior Karly Dunning headed in a pass off a free kick from sophomore Jessica Harloe from the left side of the box inside the right post in the 11th minute for the first goal of the NCAA era for the Cougars.
 
In the second half, freshman Katie Connor dribbled into the Eagles' half of the field and fed a right-side cross into the middle of the box. Sophomore Lauren Perry leapt above the CUI defense and redirected the ball off her head to the middle of the net for a 2-0 lead. The Cougars posted a clean sheet on the afternoon with sophomore goalkeeper Bailey Cockrill making six saves.
 
CSUSM's defense clamped down late, despite seeing the Eagles (0-1-0) outshooting the Cougars 7-5 in the second half and 11-8 overall for the match. Each club had six shots on goal and CSUSM had a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
 
"This is a great group and we knew we had to be strong today," Renneisen added. "The amount of fitness, grind and determination are a big part of these early results."
 
CSUSM closes out its opening weekend by beginning a three-match road swing on Saturday, Sept. 2. The Cougars travel to Point Loma on for an 11 a.m. match. Live video and statistics for the non-conference match are available on the women's soccer page at CSUSMCougars.com.