ROCKLIN, Calif. – The conference season got underway on Thursday with the Warriors playing host to Hope International University. After one of the most exciting halves of soccer this season, Jessup could not keep up with HIU in the final 45 minutes, leading to a GSAC loss.
 
Jessup was playing for the first time in 14 days, with their last match being a 3-0 loss at the Academy of Art. There did not appear to be any rust early on as Jessup came out playing fast.
 
The Warriors scored first in the 20th minute off the foot of Isaac Morfin. A perfect ball from Alvaro Ascencio found Morfin inside the box, who then one-timed a shot past the keeper to put Jessup on top.
 
It was the fourth goal for Morfin this season.
 
Hope International evened the score in the 27th minute on Cory Booth's second goal of the year. Miguel Flores gave the Royals the lead in the 37th minute.
 
Needing an equalizing goal, Jessup caught a lucky break with a foul in the box, giving them a penalty. Up stepped Marcus Tovar, who converted on the PK, his first goal of the season, evening the match at two.
 
The second half was not the close battle that ensued in the first 45 minutes.
 
Hope International scored four goals in the second half, two coming less than 60 seconds apart, as they walked away with a 6-2 win.
 
"It was a tough go for our group," said head coach Greg Lazaga. "It was an opportunity where we didn't rise to the level we need to be at. Simple as that."
 
Lazaga pointed out freshman Isaiah Martinez for his performance, adding, "He was a dangerous player when he was in, made connections, got behind lines, and worked his role defensively."
 
Gerardo Perez Plata returned to the lineup on Thursday, playing all 90 minutes while recording 11 saves.
 
The Warriors will wrap up the homestand on Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. kick-off against Life Pacific. Jessup will then head to Southern California next Thursday and Saturday.
   
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).