POMONA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific women's soccer jumped ahead early but couldn't hold off reigning national champion Cal Poly Pomona, falling 3-1 Thursday night at Kellogg Stadium.

Haley-Scott Recarte gave the Cougars a first-half lead in the 40th minute, receiving a perfectly timed through ball from fellow freshman Mayelin Salazar and bending a shot into the upper 90 of the goal for her first collegiate goal. Azusa Pacific's defense held strong through halftime, but the Broncos rallied after the break with three unanswered goals, including the equalizer in the 59th minute.

CPP's second goal came in the 82nd minute when its right winger slipped behind the Cougars' backline and got on the end of a cross into the box. The Broncos added insurance in the closing moments on a penalty kick conversion in the 88th minute.

Both teams closed out the match down a player, as both APU's Victoria Castro and CPP's Giselle Samayoa were issued red cards in the 87th minute.

Inside the Box Score

• APU outshot CPP in the first half 5:1, but were ultimately outshot 11:6
• APU drew 5 corners compared to CCP's 3
• There were 5 yellow cards handed out and 2 players were ejected
• APU's goalkeeper Alexia Muniz had a career-high 3 saves

Up Next: The Cougars will host their home opener against Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Kickoff at the Cougar Soccer Complex is at 7:00 PM.