LOS ANGELES – Daniel Haber led the Big Red with nine goals all of last season, and he was up to his old tricks again during the opening weekend of the 2012 season.

After netting the Big Red's first strike on Friday night, Haber added two more goals against Loyola Marymount on Sunday to lead Cornell to a 2-0 victory.

Haber's three goals this season are already a third of what he put up in 16 games in 2011.

Cornell (2-0), as always, was far from a one-man show against the Lions (0-2-1) as the defense continued its impressive form in shutting down Loyola Marymount's offense, and goaltender Rick Pflasterer punched away two Lions shots to earn the clean sheet.

On this two-game trip to California, the Big Red has improved its all-time record in the state and against California teams to 3-3. The Big Red remains unbeaten in 10 consecutive games against non-Ivy League competition.

Even more impressive, Cornell has now scored at least one goal in 18 straight contests dating back to the 2011 season opener. The school record for consecutive games with a goal – 21 – was set all the way back in 1970-71. The Big Red also scored goals in 19 straight games during the 1947-48 campaigns. Cornell was also the only team in the country last season to score in every game.

Haber got his second goal in two games thanks to a terrific strike from distance in the 22nd minute. When the Big Red had a crossing opportunity into the penalty area, a Lions defender cleared the ball out. But standing in the right place at the right time was Haber, and – before the ball could bounce – he rocketed it into the top corner of the net. Loyola Marymount goalie Billy Thompson had no chance as the long ball curled over him.

Despite the goal against them, the Lions had most of the possession in the first half and outshot the Big Red by a 4-3 margin. Cornell keeper Rick Pflasterer had to make two key saves in the half to keep Loyola Marymount off the board and maintain Cornell's lead.

The Big Red got its insurance tally early in the second half, as the offense generated a three-on-three opportunity against the Lions' defense. Bringing the ball up the left side, senior forward Tyler Regan found Haber alone the middle. Like his goal against Cal State Fullerton on Friday, Haber's aim was true when left unmanned, and he put Cornell up 2-0.

Though Haber scored nine times in 2011, Sunday night was the first time he scored twice in one game for Cornell. The Big Red had not seen a single player score more than one goal in a game since Matt Bouraee tallied two against Dartmouth on Nov. 8, 2008.

The rest of the contest saw more stifling defense from the Big Red's back line. Pflasterer did not have to make a save for the final 58 minutes as Cornell's defenders kept the Lions attack in check expertly.

The Big Red will continue its 2012 season on Friday night when it travels to Easton, Pa., for a matchup against Lehigh. Cornell then hosts its first home game of the year on Sunday when Buffalo comes to Ithaca.

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