ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors returned home on Wednesday to close out the pre-conference portion of their schedule with a tightly played game against Bethesda University of California. Jessup fought hard for over 100 minutes, but they were on the wrong side of fate as they fell 2-1.
Unlike most games the Warriors have played this year, Jessup started the match not on the attack but pushed up against the wall on defense. However, Jessup's defensive line, one of the best in the nation, fought off a number of attacks to keep things scoreless.
Finally, in the 28th minute, Jessup's luck turned sour as a questionable call put Bethesda on the board. A Bethesda midfielder fired the ball towards the net from over 30 yards out. The ball clanked off the front of the crossbar straight down. After a moment of hestitation to check with his sideline official, the referee signaled goal.
The call had the Warriors scrambling to work back into the game, but Jessup did not give up. An all-out attack commenced with the beginning of the second half.
After numerous fights forward and numerous chances flown by, the goal finally came with five minutes left in regulation as senior Dylan Valentine (Reno, NV) headed in a beautiful cross from junior Justin Soria (Rocklin, CA) to equalize the game and eventually send things to overtime.
"These guys showed some serious resilience today," said head coach Robbie Handy. "We showed up in the second half and got the equalizer. I'm proud of them in that regard and hopefully we can learn from this."
In the first overtime frame, Jessup had their best chance of the day as junior Jose Hernandez (Ukiah, CA) faked out the keeper and fed the ball to freshman Adolfo Guzman (Las Vegas, NV) six-yards out. The ball took a nasty hop en route, forcing Guzman's foot under the ball and into a chip over the cross-bar.
In the second overtime frame, Jessup tried to end things quickly. Just two minutes into the period junior Alexander Thompson (Sacramento, CA) fired on goal from 18-yards out, but the shot would be stopped by a diving save. Bethesda went on a counterattack right afterward, and with Jessup fighting to get back and defend, Bethesda was able to chip the ball into the net to win the game.
Wednesday's loss was the third consecutive home game for Jessup to reach overtime, and it moves Jessup to 2-3-1 on the season. Jessup will begin conference play on Saturday as the Warriors kick off conference play with a match against Vanguard University.
"You can't get away with minor mistakes in tough games," said Handy. "If we make to many of those, Vanguard is going to capitalize on them. But if we bring out A-game and stay focused I'm confident that we can compete with the best of them."
Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. at Jessup Field Saturday.
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William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook), @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat)
