SURPRISE, Ariz. – With a chance to host the conference championship on the line, Jessup (7-4-1, 5-2-1) took the field against the (RV) Spirit of Ottawa University (8-3, 6-2). Entering the day needing just a point to clinch the GSAC East Division and host a conference title game against Westmont College, Jessup fell behind early and never recovered, losing 3-0.
 
Head coach Greg Lazaga knew he had a tall task ahead of his team going into Thursday's action, stating, "Ottawa is a fantastic team. They are well organized and have talent at a lot of positions. On our side, we had a good opening twenty minutes, and their transition goal really changed the game and tempo."
 
With a lot on the line for both teams, it was a physical contest throughout the match. The intense play led to early chances, and Paul Anderson got the first look for the Warriors, but OUAZ's keeper made the save.
 
On the ensuing attack by the Spirit, Samuel George used his blazing speed to get up the field and score an unassisted goal to take an early 1-0 lead in the twelfth minute. As the half continued, the Warriors got solid looks, but Anderson and Josh Freeman's shots were both snuffed out.
 
Lazaga spoke on some of the missed chances, saying, "We had moments where we found our rhythm again but gassed out too early."
 
The Spirit continued to put pressure on the Warriors all match long, and ten minutes before the first half ended, they netted their second goal taking a 2-0 lead at the break.
 
Coming out to start the second half, Marcus Tovar had a shot blocked in the 51st minute, and on the counter-attack, OUAZ was able to score their third goal. Despite no more goals being scored for the remainder of the match, the Spirit kept Robert Sams busy with nine more attempted shots. Overall, Sams ended with seven saves.
 
In the final stretch of the second half, the Warriors were unable to convert despite getting several opportunities with corner kicks. The 3-0 loss to the Spirit is an unfortunate ending to an otherwise outstanding season for the Warriors.
 
Lazaga ended by expressing the utmost gratitude for the group of young men he coaches, "We have a young, prideful group that will come back stronger from this. At the same time, our senior group is something special. I'm very grateful to them for their leadership and drive. I can't wait to see them all as leaders of strong families! We were very blessed."
 
Although the Warriors finish a game short of their goals, two significant milestones come out of the Arizona trip. In Wednesday's victory in Glendale, Lazaga became the all-time winningest coach in program history. The five conference wins for Jessup also establish a new program high as members of the GSAC.
 
   
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).