ROCKLIN, Calif. – Fans braved the heatwave as Jessup kicked off a new season on Friday, taking on the Bushnell Beacons. With temperatures well over 100 degrees on the turf, the heat carried over to the Warriors as they notched win number one of the new campaign.
 
It was a day to remember and a number to forget, as Jessup took the victory, 2-0. Friday brings to an end a 504-day streak in which the Warriors had failed to score multiple goals in a single match.
 
The scoring started in the 20th minute, thanks to sophomore forward Diego Nunez. Taking a pass up the middle of the field from Rahil Shankar, Nunez maneuvered around the goalkeeper to give his side an early advantage.
 
Head coach Greg Lazaga offered some words after the match. "Proud of the boys for the win today. In the first half, we played to our style and saw some smooth and quick movement of the ball. The increased movement and pace of play created some good chances, and Diego was able to finish on one of them."
 
After leading 1-0 at the break, Jessup added their second goal in the 47th minute, this time thanks to Isaac Morfin. With the Warriors scrambling around their goal, Luis Cruz collected the ball off a missed attempt at goal and found his teammate, Morfin, who then found the back of the net.
 
The second tally sent the Jessup bench into a frenzy, with the entire roster racing to the corner flag to celebrate with the goal-scoring Morfin.
 
Keeping Bushnell scoreless was the debut performance of goalkeeper Gerardo Perez Plata. It takes Perez Plata just one match to notch his first shutout in Jessup colors. The junior goalkeeper played all 90 minutes, tallying seven saves in the victory.
 
Bushnell pushed across 15 shots in the match, seven of which came on goal. The Warriors also got off 15 shots, 11 of which came in the opening 45 minutes. Only three of the shot attempts by Jessup went on goal.
 
Lazaga also commented on the heat throughout the contest, adding, "I believe the heat got to both teams today in the second half, and it became a transition game. Even with the change of play, we still had a couple of chances. We will keep working, but it's a good early win for our group."
 
The Warriors, 1-0 on the young season, will be back in action on Wednesday when they visit Simpson University in Redding. It will be just a one-match trip, as the Warriors will return home to start a four-match homestand, beginning on August 30.
 
Tickets for all remaining home dates can be purchased ahead of time HERE.
 
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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).