A historic start for CIU athletics. A season built on discipline and drive.
California Intercontinental University’s soccer team closed its debut season with a milestone that will shape the future of CIU athletics: a trip to the GAAC Finals and the first trophy ever earned by the university. For a program launched this August, alongside newly developed baseball and basketball teams, the accomplishment reflects preparation, competitive focus, and a clear commitment to growth.
Under the leadership of head coach Ivan Todorovic, the team entered its first year with a straightforward goal: to compete with purpose. What followed exceeded expectations and established a strong foundation for the program.
A Season Defined by Structure and Growth
From the opening matches, CIU emphasized fundamentals and disciplined play. The team developed a defensive identity built on coordination, communication, and consistent decision-making. Each game strengthened their rhythm, and by the time the conference tournament began, CIU played with the confidence of a more seasoned roster.
Their defensive unit applied steady pressure, limiting high-quality chances and forcing opponents into less effective positions. In goal, CIU delivered reliable and composed performances that allowed the team to stay competitive in tight, high-stakes matchups.
This combination of structure and resilience carried CIU through the winners’ bracket and into the championship round, a significant accomplishment for a new program.
Competing in the GAAC Finals
In the finals, CIU faced Millennia Atlantic University across two demanding matches. Millennia’s experience and balanced style created a challenging environment, yet CIU stayed composed and continued to execute their game plan.
Both matches ended in Millennia’s favor, but CIU showed consistency, determination, and adaptability from start to finish. The team fought until the final minutes, showing the mindset required to evolve into a championship contender.
Although they finished as runners-up, they did not leave empty-handed. CIU returned home with the first official trophy in the university’s athletic history, a meaningful symbol of progress and possibility.
What This Means for CIU’s Athletic Future
Earning second place in the conference and securing CIU’s first trophy offers more than recognition. It provides direction for the program’s next stage of development.
The season highlighted several strengths, including defensive discipline that kept CIU competitive in every match, strong goalkeeping that delivered essential saves under pressure, and team resilience that allowed players to maintain focus even in the most demanding moments. The next step will be to expand offensive consistency and strengthen transitions to convert more opportunities. With Coach Todorovic guiding the program, CIU soccer is positioned for steady and long-term success.
A Foundation Worth Celebrating
This first season established a meaningful standard for CIU athletics. The team competed with determination, teamwork, and a clear sense of purpose, qualities that reflect the university’s ambition and the students it serves. Their appearance in the GAAC finals marks a major milestone, but the deeper value lies in what it represents: growth, readiness, and the beginning of a program built to thrive.
And now, with the university’s first trophy in hand, CIU has a tangible symbol of momentum as the athletics program continues to expand.
