The NAIA No. 4 Cougars (0-2), who allowed just 16 goals in 24 matches last season, fell behind 4-0 in the first half as Shankula scored both of his goals off assists from Ignacio Finlay, while Onywera added a goal and an assist and Thomas Mason found the back of the net once.

MVNU finally got on the scoreboard in the 73rd minute when junior midfielder Cody Snouffer (left) scored off an assist from sophomore forward Chris Allen to make it 4-1. The goal was the ninth of Snouffer’s career and the team’s first of the season as the Cougars ended a 162-minute scoring drought.

Onywera tacked on two more goals for San Diego Christian with Kyle Cabezas-Jones being credited with an assist on one of them as the Hawks prevailed 6-1 in the contest.

Despite the final score, MVNU held a 20-13 advantage in total shots and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. However, San Diego Christian was more efficient with its shots as the Hawks held a 10-7 margin in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Alex Stout posted three saves as he played in just the first half for the Cougars, while sophomore goalie Trevor Stewart stopped one shot and allowed the two second-half goals. Christopher Cozzi registered six saves for San Diego Christian.

MVNU will wrap up its three-match swing in California on Saturday when the Cougars will travel to Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) University for a 2:00 p.m. PST start.