SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Senior Callan Harrington's late strike lifted LMU to a 2-1 road victory over UC Santa Barbara on Thursday night at Theodore Harder Stadium, giving the Lions a win in their season opener.

With the score tied in the 89th minute, Harrington finished off a feed from Taylor Person to break the deadlock and send LMU (1-0-0) home with the win. The goal was Harrington's first of the season and fourth career goal as a member of the Lions.

LMU jumped ahead early when defender Emma Gustad Myklebust scored unassisted in the sixth minute. UCSB (0-1-0) responded in the 34th minute as Caitlyn Simons converted off a pass from Kate Killer to knot the match at 1-1.

The Gauchos controlled much of the possession, outshooting LMU 27-10 and forcing goalkeeper JJ Hoover into nine saves. UCSB keeper Maddie Buckley made three stops.

The Lions' defense held firm in the closing minutes, with Hoover stopping multiple attempts before Harrington's winner. LMU also held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks, while UCSB committed seven fouls to LMU's eight.

The Lions return to action Saturday, Aug. 23, hosting Tennessee in their home opener.