MERCED, Calif. – Back on the field after earning their first win of the season, the Warriors traveled to Merced for a battle under the lights against UC Merced. After taking a draw into the half, three quick strikes quickly put Jessup in a bind as the Bobcats took the match 4-1.
 
Head coach Greg Lazaga spoke highly of his opponent Saturday. After the match, he stated, "We had a tough go matching the pace of play in several pockets of the field. Merced is a high-quality side that puts so much pressure on your team defense and movement that you have to be able to match."
 
Jessup flashed some team defense early in the match. As the Bobcats worked in their attacking third, goalkeeper Robert Sams was caught off his mark, allowing an empty net opportunity. The seemingly easy opportunity was denied by a fantastic sliding stop from Jose Ayala.
 
Quickly after this stop, UC Merced would find the back of the net in the 13th minute as they set up following a caution issued to Elias Orocio. Robert Ceja would net the match's first goal, putting Jessup behind the eight-ball early.
 
UC Merced's early tally would not derail the Warriors, as it took just 24 seconds for Isaac Morfin to send one home off a cross from Paolo Ionescu, equalizing the match at 1-1. Ionescu raced down the sideline before cutting into the box and playing a ground pass right to the foot of Morfin.
 
Lazaga spoke about Jessup's ability to counter the goal, adding, "It's important to be able to counter them with your attack. Our attack came in spots today. We are continuing to work on finding a rhythm for long stretches of play. Our young group has to continue to build on the positive moments and use the game as a learning experience."
 
Neither team could take a lead into the break, but the Bobcats noticeably controlled possession, outshooting the Warriors 14-4. UC Merced also produced six opening half corner kicks to none by Jessup.
 
The Bobcats would capitalize on their attacking play in the second half, as they netted two goals in two minutes to put the Warriors behind 3-1. Juan Flores would score both of the tallies.
 
Flores would earn the hat trick with a goal in the 61st minute, putting Jessup in a three-goal deficit with a half-hour of soccer to play.
 
Sams returned to the lineup Saturday after getting the day off Thursday vs. Pacific Union. Sams recorded five saves before being replaced by Valentin Luna late in the match. Luna would make one save.
 
Saturday night's loss drops the Warriors to 1-3 overall on the season.
 
The season progresses on Tuesday as the Warriors visit CSU Monterey Bay for a 2 p.m. start time. It will be the final match of a two-match road trip as Jessup returns home to host Sierra Nevada on Friday, Sept. 17.
   
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).