AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific's 14th-ranked men's soccer team returned to competition in style, walking off with a 1-0 overtime victory over Simon Fraser University Thursday evening at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

How it Happened: Playing their first competitive game in 649 days, the Cougars eased their way into the game during the first half.  While the Cougars regularly had the ball in the attacking third, chances were limited by a staunch Simon Fraser defense.  David Kwinn had the best opportunity in the first half, as his shot from the top of the box in the 40th minute clanged off the upper left-hand corner of the goal and stayed out.

As tempers flared and the game turned more physical in the second half, the Cougars had a golden opportunity to take the lead with six minutes remaining as James Ndubueze received a centering pass at point-blank range and hit a one-timer towards the left post, but SFU keeper Aiden Bain was right where he needed to be to make the biggest of his seven saves on the night.  Despite outshooting Simon Fraser 16-5 in regulation, the game remained deadlocked heading into overtime.

In the second minute of overtime, freshman Marco Astorga won possession at midfield off a goal kick and started the final attack.  After Grego Diep's first attempt to cross the ball in was blocked, his second ball reached the keeper, who spilled a rebound that Kwinn found and tucked just under the crossbar to hand the home team the victory.  

By the Numbers:  Brendan Fix only had to make two saves on the night, but it was enough for his eighth career shutout.  Kwinn's goal was the seventh game-winner of his career, and the second to occur in overtime (the other was in 2018 against Point Loma).  The Cougars have now won 31 consecutive regular season games, a streak that goes back to September 20, 2018.  The Cougars are now 6-2 all-time against Simon Fraser, and 2-1 against SFU since joining the NCAA in 2012.

Up Next:  The Cougars will play the first of four straight games against CCAA opposition Saturday afternoon, as they host Cal State San Marcos at the Cougar Soccer Complex.  Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.