ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors opened the season against The University of Antelope Valley on Saturday with a new team looking to start strong, but the Pioneers' strong attack overcame the Warriors in a 4-2 loss.

The Warriors were the first to strike with freshman Derek Vredenburgh scoring his first collegiate goal in the 15th minute from the far right corner of the box for the 1-0 advantage.

But it wasn't long until the Pioneers found the back of the net on a one-vs-one in the 21st minute to even the score 1-1 and just a couple minutes later making a connection to go up headed into the half  2-1.

"We have a very talented young squad this year," head coach Greg Lazaga said. "But it is going to take some time to gel and become the team we want to be."

Defensively in the first half senior Robert Harmelink defended the goal with five saves on nine shots by the Pioneers, while the back line played well forcing Antelope Valley offsides twice.

Coming into the second half, both teams were rehydrated and ready to go the last 45 minutes with the Warriors putting junior Nick Garcia in goal.

The Pioneers were the first to score in the 68th minutes off a corner kick set up by Jorge Diaz and tapped in off a header by Edwin Diaz. Edwin would get his second goal of the game from a free kick to take the 4-1 lead with just over 10 minutes to play.

The Warriors continued to work hard pushing the ball forward and getting plenty of looks in the second half outshooting their opponent 9-4. In the 79th minute, junior Adolfo Guzman had the advantage in a one-on-one to score the Warriors second goal and final goal of the game (2-4).

"Todays game was part of the learning curve for our team that is growing together," Lazaga concluded. "We are disappointed in the result but looking forward to the challenge of the next game."

Jessup will hit the road for a matchup against Sierra Nevada on Tuesday before heading back to home field to host Simpson on Friday at 3 pm looking to get their first home win of the season.
   
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) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat)