On Sept. 6, 2024, the California Baptist University men’s soccer team faced a daunting challenge, taking on the nation’s top-ranked team, West Virginia.
Despite the tough matchup, the Lancers fought hard, keeping the game close and competitive until the final moments. West Virginia ultimately secured a 3-2 victory with a stunning goal in the 87th minute, but CBU left the field with heads held high, knowing they had pushed the country’s best to the limit.
Daniel Cook, director of athletic communications, expressed pride in the team’s performance despite the loss.
“They looked great from the start. They weren’t scared, they weren’t intimidated,” Cook said. “They’ve played in big games before, they’ve played No. 1 teams before, so they came out confident knowing it’s not a fluke that this was scheduled. They should be playing teams like this, and they played like it.”
Broadcast commentator Travis Van Noty praised the team’s resilience during the live broadcast, saying, “The Lancers have a chance here… they can work it out anyway.”
Sophomore business administration major Hugo De Rego, a key figure throughout the match, spoke about the electrifying atmosphere created by the team and the fans.
“I felt like we had them, and the fans and everything around was so electric. It was amazing,” De Rego said. “I think this game proved to everyone that we have a great team and we can cause problems for sure.”
Heartbreak struck in the 87th minute when West Virginia stunned the home team with a goal, leaving the Lancers down 3-2 with little time to recover. Despite a last-minute push, the clock ran out, and the No. 1 team escaped with a narrow victory.
Cook reflected on the tight game and how close the team came to securing a result.
“We still had a lead despite those decisions [referee calls], and I don’t think anyone on the team is going to blame the loss on those decisions. They’re frustrating in the moment of course, but ultimately, they had a lead, they had a tie, and West Virginia just made one of the most amazing goals in the 87th minute that I’ve ever seen.”
Cook emphasized that despite the sting of defeat, the game will serve as a motivator for the team moving forward.
“Overall, I think they played really great. I mean, it’s disappointing in the moment, but ultimately it’s a net positive for the team,” Cook said. “If there’s a game or a time where they need some motivation or something to get them back into a game they should be in, I think it’ll be something they lean on.”
De Rego echoed this sentiment, speaking about how the experience of competing against the nation’s best will shape their future performances.
“It comes with experience. I’ve played a lot of high-pressure games and I didn’t feel the pressure in-game. I’m in a zone where I am so focused in the present moment that I don’t think about what’s around,” De Rego said. “This one we lost unfortunately, but it will definitely help us for the next game.”
For fans and players alike, the game was proof that the team belongs on the big stage. De Rego emphasized the importance of this confidence as the season progresses.
“Every game we are just getting better. They dominated us for a good time, but we also dominated them, so that proves that we are in the right spot, going in the right direction.”
As the team looks ahead to their next challenge, they do so knowing they can go toe-to-toe with the best. The loss was tough, but the performance has the potential to fuel a successful run for the rest of the season.
