AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific men's soccer scored twice in its home opener on Saturday, but the offensive press was not enough as the Cougars fell by a final score of 4-2. Gavin Chagnon and Zedan Mutlu each scored their first goals in Cougar uniforms. 

How it Happened: Just five minutes into the game, Azusa Pacific got ahead early when Chagnon found the back of the net via a deflected ball off the Rangers goalie for the Cougars to take a 1-0 lead. Regis found the equalizer in the 21st minute to tie the game at 1-1. 

It was once again a physical match as four yellow cards were given out in the first 25 minutes on the pitch. In the 32nd minute, the Rangers offensive press converted into another goal for Regis to take a 2-1 lead. In the final minutes of the first half, the Rangers capitalized on another opportunity to give Regis a 3-1 edge over the Cougars before halftime. 

Three minutes into the second half, Regis scored again to take a 4-1 lead, but Azusa Pacific quickly responded when Mutlu found the ball by the back post and sent it in to cut the deficit in half. 

Despite the offensive attack for Azusa Pacific late in the second half, it was not enough to overcome the early deficit they faced, falling to Regis by a final score of 4-2. 

By the Numbers: It is just the second time since 2017 that the Cougars have given up at least four goals in a match. Azusa Pacific only had four shots on goal compared to the Rangers eight, while Regis also had two corner kicks compared to the Cougars one. Seven players came off the bench for Azusa Pacific tonight, while Shuteriqi, Yansaneh, Chagnon and Mutlu each had a shot on goal. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will be back at the Cougar Soccer Complex on Thursday, September 7th when they host Stanislaus State. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and if you cannot attend the game, you can watch HERE.