Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's soccer team (1-0) opened their season with a 3-1 victory over the La Sierra University Golden Eagles on Thursday evening at OC Great Park Field 18 in Irvine, CA.

It was a slow first half as both teams started the game off a bit sluggish. The Royals would create the first opportunity in the 31st minute on a long range effort by Anthony Acosta but the Golden Eagles goalie delivered a finger-tip save to push the ball over the crossbar and keep the game scoreless. The Royals then threatened again just before halftime as Tyler Moch had a great opportunity blocked again by a diving save from the goalkeeper as the game was scoreless into halftime.

The game opened up in the second half as the Royals looked to strike first. After a few early chances were denied by the Golden Eagles goalie the Royals would finally break through in the 67th minute as Eric Barriga opened his Royals account with a wonderful free kick into the top right corner to make it 1-0. That lead wouldn't last long as the Golden Eagles found the equalizer just a few minutes later to make it 1-1. The Royals would then regain the lead just five minutes later as Angel Magdaleno found the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 78th minute. The Golden Eagles didn't go away easily as they continued to push forward but the Royals would add an insurance goal in the 85th minute as Jorge Perez delivered a wonderful great cross into the box that Leo Perez headed home as the Royals went on to win 3-1.

The Royals continue action at home on Saturday, August 19 as they take on Park-Gilbert at 4:00 PM at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA.