Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's soccer team (8-1-1) won their third game in a row as they squeezed past the Stanton University Nelks 1-0 on Thursday evening at OC Great Park Field 18 in Irvine, CA.

The Royals came out a little sluggish after not playing a competitive game in over a week. The Nelks took advantage as they created several early opportunities and fired a close one on goal that just sailed over the bar as the game remained scoreless. The Royals would find their footing and created several opportunities with the best one coming right before halftime but Angel Magdaleno dragged his shot wide as the teams went into halftime 0-0.

The Royals came out of halftime looking for the breakthrough and it didn't take long as Colm Cohen rounded his defender and scored his first career Royals goal after latching on to a bouncing ball in the box to put the Royals up 1-0. The Royals continued to press forward from there which also allowed the Nelks a late opportunity to equalize but goalie Milton Herrera stood tall to deny the Nelks and keep the Royals advantage. The Royals then had several opportunities on the counterattack including a late one as time expired with the Royals winning 1-0. Herrera played all 90 minutes in goal recording one save.

The Royals continue action as they open up GSAC play on the road against Life Pacific on Saturday, September 30 at 4:30 PM at OC Great Park Field 18 in Irvine, CA.