ROCKLIN, Calif. – After back-to-back matches that made their way to double-overtime, and a last second victory their least time out, the Warriors looked to stay perfect at home as they played host to Vanguard University. The Lions were able to get on the board early, set up by a questionable call, eliminating all Jessup momentum as the Warriors fell 3-0.
Twelve minutes into Thursday's match, Vanguard was awarded a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box. After what looked to be a hand ball on the Lions, the referee signaled a foul against Jessup, allowing Zac Way to take the free kick in which he curled into the top right corner for the early goal.
Vanguard scored again in the 34th minute, as Kevin Belmonte hit a knuckleball shot off a pass from Way that found the inside left netting of the goal to make the lead 2-0.
As the first half drew to an end, Jessup was awarded a free kick of their own on the edge of the box, but the Warriors could not get a shot off as it took too long for the Lions to set their wall back 10-yards, allowing the clock to tick down to zero.
The Lions scored their third and final goal of the day late in the 87th minute on a penalty kick by Juan Arellano.
In goal for Jessup on Thursday was senior Nicholas Schnable (Rocklin, CA). Schnable played all 90-minutes, allowing 3 goals while recording 2 saves. Brandon Gomez of Vanguard recorded 2 saves while finishing with a shutout.
The Warriors entered Thursday with a perfect record at home on Jessup Field, sitting at 4-0 at home with a +12 goal differential. The loss drops Jessup's record to 7-4-1 overall on the season, and 2-2-1 in conference play. In the GSAC standings, Jessup has 7 points and currently sits in sixth place.
Jessup will get back on the field on Saturday, as they will play host to another Golden State Athletic Conference foe in the form of San Diego Christian College. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and will be the only meeting between the two sides.
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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), @WJUSports (Twitter), and @JessupAthletics (Instagram, and Snapchat).
