ROCKLIN, Calif. – The one-two punch of Alvaro Ascencio and Diego Nunez was on full display in the opening half of Friday's match. With the Warriors taking on the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers, Jessup scored a pair early, but second-half issues ultimately ended the match in a draw.
 
For the second match in a row, the Warriors wasted little time finding the goal. It took three minutes on Tuesday. On Friday, the Warriors needed an extra 60 seconds before Ascencio netted his first of the year.
 
The goal was set up off a counterattack, with Nunez playing a ball to his left, setting up a short chance for Ascencio.
 
Eight minutes later, Ascencio returned the favor.
 
Ascencio stole the ball away in his attacking third, setting up a clear pass to Nunez, who beat the keeper for his fourth goal of the season.
 
The Warriors had a third chance late in the first half when Isaac Morfin's run set up a one-on-one opportunity, but the shot missed right.
 
"We came out with fire and playing to our pregame plan," said head coach Greg Lazaga. "We had multiple clear opportunities on net. Two goals were the result, but honestly it could have been more."

UAV capitalized on a Jessup mishap in the 49th minute, setting up their first goal of the day. The equalizing goal came in the 68th minute when a free kick was sent into the box, setting up a headed opportunity that found the net.

On the second half momentum switch, Lazaga added, "We started turning the ball over in really poor areas. Give credit to Antelope Valley for recovering and putting pressure on us."
 
Gerardo Perez Plata made his fourth start of the season in goal for the Warriors. He made one save before leaving the match with an injury. Nick Forry replaced him, playing the final hour while recording five saves.
 
The Warriors were at a disadvantage for the final 25 minutes of the match after a second yellow card on Marcus Tovar forced Jessup to play a man down. UAV's second goal came five minutes after the sendoff.

"When we went to ten men, we played with grit," added Lazaga. "It would have been easy for us to fold and lose the game under the pressure. I am proud of the boys for grinding out a tie, and we will learn and progress towards the future."
 
UAV won the shot count 18-17, with both teams firing eight on goal. The Pioneers had nine corner kicks to Jessup's five.
 
The Warriors will rest over the weekend but will be back in action on Monday when they welcome UC Merced to Warrior Field. Game time for the Labor Day battle is scheduled for 11 a.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 & Instagram).