COSTA MESA, Calif. – William Jessup University men's soccer entered Saturday riding a four-match win streak, with their last two wins coming in shutout fashion. On Saturday, Jessup was put to the test as they faced the No. 8 team in the nation, and it took over 100-minutes to find a winner, but in the end it was Vanguard who stole a 2-1 victory.
The Warriors came out firing Saturday, as they looked to keep up their recent offensive success. Jessup had a great chance at finding the scoreboard in the 31st minute, as senior Jose Hernandez (Ukiah, CA) stepped up to the dot for a penalty kick. Hernandez had scored in four consecutive matches, but he couldn't extend it to five as the keeper made the save.
One minute later, Jessup again almost got on the board as a free kick in striking distance was rocketed off of the crossbar. The Warriors outshot Vanguard 13-5 in the opening half, but the two sides were scoreless through 45-minutes.
The first tally of the game came in the 62nd minute, as the Warriors went on a counterattack that culminated with senior Michael Mazzoni (Rocklin, CA) finding the back of the net to put his side on top.
Vanguard answered the Jessup strike quickly, as in the 70th minute Zac Way swung in a corner kick to even up the match at 1-1. The score would hold there for the rest of regulation, sending the match to overtime.
After no goals in the first overtime period, the match progressed into double overtime. In the 106th minute of the match, Juan Arellano of Vanguard scored the decisive goal as he ended the match, sending Jessup home with a tough fought 2-1 loss.
In goal for the entirety of the match Saturday for the Warriors was senior Nicholas Schnable (Rocklin, CA). Schnable recorded 8 saves while allowing the two goals. Jessup outshot Vanguard 22-21 in the match, while Vanguard recorded four more shots on goal (11-7).
The loss ends a four-match win streak the Warriors had strung together over the past three weeks. Jessup moves to 4-3 overall on the year, and 0-1 in conference play.
Jessup will not have to wait long to avenge their loss, as on Monday the Pioneers of Pacific Union College will be in in town for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff. Following the match, the Warriors will get back to conference play as they travel to Phoenix to take on Arizona Christian on October 1.
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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).
