ROCKLIN, Calif. – In an overtime thriller, Jessup men's soccer was able to take down the Spirit of Ottawa University (AZ) off a terrific header from Paul Anderson. Jessup now holds a 5-3 record overall and are 3-1 in the GSAC. The Spirit now drops to 5-2 and 3-1 in conference.
 
Head coach Greg Lazaga liked what he saw from his group today as they played a well-rounded game. "Major efforts all around from our group today! Ottawa is a talented and well-coached group with dangerous players in several spots that you can't afford to lose track of," said Lazaga. He went on to add, "We came into the game knowing full well their capabilities, and our group was able to pull out a fun one."
 
For a game that saw no goals scored throughout the full ninety minutes of regulation, each team had several close opportunities. The Warriors started the match with four shots within the first six minutes, none of which connected. OUAZ then got the next few chances with a pair of corner kicks and shots, but Jessup's defense prevented any damage from being done.
 
The next big push came from an attack by the Spirit in the seventy-sixth minute, and after a foul was called, they lined up for a penalty kick. Robert Sams did what he had done all match long and prevented a goal by lunging to his left to deflect the shot. Coach Lazaga noted, "Rob came up big with that PK save, and Eli was brilliant defensively as well." After ninety minutes, the match was in a scoreless tie and headed to overtime.
 
In the extra period, the Warriors got right to work and on their first offensive possession. Josh Freeman connected with Paul Anderson, who scored the lone goal just seconds into overtime for the win.
 
Coach Lazaga concluded by saying, "Offensively, we had some good chances early and came up just short. I thought Josh was really dynamic and was able to break lines and was always a threat. His final play to Paul for the win is one I'll always remember. It was a great win, but it's back to work on Monday." 
 
The Warriors will return to their home field next Thursday at 12:30 p.m. as they'll host The Master's University, which can be live-streamed HERE.
   
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 and Instagram).