ROCKLIN, Calif. – For the majority of Thursday's contest between Jessup and Pacific Union, it appeared that 90-minutes would not be enough. However, backed by a goal in the final minutes, the Warriors closed out a thrilling battle in style as they picked up victory number one of the young season.
 
Head coach Greg Lazaga spoke after the match, saying, "Pacific Union is a much-improved team from years past.  They really challenged us in the first. We played frenetic and failed to find a rhythm early. We have some great freshmen players that are the foundation of our future."
 
As Thursday's action got underway, it quickly became apparent that the Pioneers were not the only foe against Jessup. With the temperature ranging over 100-degrees for the entire match, both halves included mandatory hydration breaks to ensure all players were safe in the treacherous heat.
 
The Warriors got their first real chance at goal 30-minutes in as Jordan Gallow chipped a ball on goal. Pacific Union's goalkeeper made the save, but his momentum carried him into the goal. After discussion, it was determined that the ball never crossed the goal line.
 
A second look came in the 53rd minute as Elias Orocio volleyed a missile that crashed off the crossbar, missing an opening tally by a matter of inches.
 
More close opportunities ensued, as a header from Isaac Morfin in the 76th minute seemed to be a golden opportunity at getting on the scoreboard, but the goalkeeper made the save.
 
After 80-plus minutes of scoreless soccer, the goal finally came. Paolo Ionescu played a ball into the box to Angelo Chavez on a counterattack, setting up a golden one-on-one chance. Chavez worked around the keeper and slotted one in goal as the Jessup fans let out a roar of excitement.
 
Lazaga spoke on Jessup's second-half attack, adding, "Fortunately, we were able to turn it around in the second half and calm the ball down while putting pressure on the net. (Elias) was so instrumental in being disruptive in the middle defensively and also being dynamic offensively… Glad we found the net finally at the end!"
 
Pacific Union could not muster a countering goal in the final six minutes, as Jessup picks up win number-one of the year, moving to 1-2-0 on the season.
 
Jessup split goalkeeper duties on Thursday, as Valentin Luna and Juan Negrete each made their Jessup debuts. Luna recorded the lone WJU save in his 68 minutes of action.
 
Next up for the Warriors comes an opponent receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll, UC Merced. The Warriors will hit the road Saturday to take on Merced under the lights, as game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
   
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).