San Marcos, Calif. – September 16, 2025
On a warm Tuesday afternoon at The Cage, Cal State San Marcos and Biola University went head-to-head in a physical and tightly contested non-conference matchup that ended in a 1–1 draw.
The first half set the tone for a defensive struggle, with both goalkeepers—Tony Flores for CSUSM and Jaden Nisperos for Biola—standing tall. San Marcos pressed early, recording multiple shots from Brando Oros, Cisco Avila, and Manny Solis, but Nisperos made key saves to keep the Cougars scoreless. Biola, meanwhile, found limited chances, with Luca McGreevey Couchman and Jorge Negrete each sending efforts wide. Despite constant attacking pressure from the Cougars, the teams went into halftime locked at 0–0.
Biola broke through first in the 54th minute. Brennan Furlan capitalized on a moment of space inside the box, slotting home the opener to give the Eagles a 1–0 advantage. The goal energized Biola, but CSUSM refused to back down. The Cougars continued to push numbers forward, eventually finding their equalizer in the 76th minute when Efren Nunez Dominguez finished a crisp pass from David Ruiz to tie the game at 1–1.
The final 15 minutes brought drama, as both teams had chances to win it. San Marcos nearly grabbed the game-winner in the 89th minute when Hayden Kenny’s strike sailed just over the bar after Kyle Sherman’s earlier attempt rattled the woodwork. Biola also tested Flores late, but the Cougar defense held firm to secure the draw.
In total, the match featured a flurry of fouls, physical battles, and tactical substitutions, reflecting the intensity of two programs unwilling to concede ground. With the result, both sides walk away with valuable lessons and momentum as they head deeper into their fall campaigns.
Final Score: Cal State San Marcos 1, Biola University 1
Goals: BIOLA – Furlan (54’); CSUSM – Nunez Dominguez (76’, assisted by Ruiz)
Attendance: 67
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