ARCATA, Calif.—The Concordia men’s soccer team allowed its first goals of the season but a hat trick from junior forward Septi Danciu propelled the Cavaliers to a 4-2 win over Humboldt State on Monday.

With the win, Concordia, ranked No. 21 in the NAIA, improved to 4-0 on the season. The match represented the season opener for the Lumberjacks, an NCAA Division II program.  

“Humboldt brought a very physical side that was especially aggressive in the air,” CU head coach Dan Birkey said. “They came out and got a well-earned early goal on us but we were able to stay focused and make adjustments.”

In just the 4th minute, Humboldt State’s Ray Lind found the back of the net with a header following a cross by teammate Brian Holmes that snapped a 273-minute shutout streak by the CU defense.

Minutes later, Danciu generated the equalizer with a strike from six yards out following a failed clearance inside the Lumberjacks’ box. The score would remain 1-1 going into the halftime break with CU holding an 8-to-7 edge in total shot attempts.

“It’s always important to win the first half, but it’s especially true when you are on the road,” Birkey said. “We were tied at the break, but Septi’s first goal was critical for us today.”

After nearly 20 minutes of scoreless play to start the second half, Danciu gave the Cavs a 2-1 lead by turning for a shot from 18 yards following a feed from teammate Ryan Candella.

Less than three minutes after the go-ahead goal, Quinn Sinser picked up his first career goal for the Cavs with a well-place header following a throw in by Tanner French.

The Lumberjacks added even more intensity to a match that featured a combined 32 fouls by chopping the deficit to a single goal with a score from Mitchell Butt with the clock showing 84:37.

The drama was eliminated at the 84:42 mark, however, as Danciu capped his offensive takeover with his third goal of the afternoon just five seconds after HSU’s second score.

“Septi had added a lot to his game this year,” Birkey said. “His work rate was high today. He didn’t get many chances but he was sharp when they were presented.”

Concordia returns to action on Sept. 13 when it travels to Corban University for its Cascade Collegiate Conference opener. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. in Salem, Ore.