ROCKLIN, Calif. – A break from the GSAC took place on Wednesday as the Warriors welcomed the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz. An early goal set the stage for the Warriors to hold a lead for the majority of the match, a feat they were up for until the final minute as a late goal solidifies a 1-1- draw.
Head coach
Greg Lazaga offered his comments after the match, noting, "Frustrating result at the end after holding the lead for most of the game. However, our team needs to learn that it was a just result."
The break in conference soccer comes with three matches remaining in the GSAC season. Jessup sit in fifth on the GSAC table, a spot that would have them in the postseason. Seeds three and four will host a conference tournament match.
Jessup got their lone goal of the match midway through the first half as fifth-year player
Elisha Burbridge scored his first goal with the Warriors. Burbridge collected the ball after his first shot was blocked, but the second attempt skipped through the defense and past a diving goalkeeper.
UC Santa Cruz would get their chances to put an equalizer over the goal line as the recorded six shots on goal, but none found the back of the net until the 89th minute when Adrian Jacobs scored to set the score at 1-1.
On the late goal, Lazaga added, "We let go of our focus and stopped connecting and being aggressive against Santa Cruz. That led to a lot of defensive play and counters against us. If we can stay focused and continue to be aggressive we walk away with a better result. It's that simple."
Goalkeeper
Gerardo Perez Plata recorded five saves during his 90 minutes manning the Jessup net.
Jessup moves to 7-4-4 overall with the draw. The Warriors have been virtually unbeatable on their home turf, holding a record of 6-1-3 as just one home match remains on the schedule when Jessup hosts Hope International on October 28.
But first Jessup will have to hit the road, first with a trip to Southern California when the Warriors take on Vanguard. That match will take place this Saturday. The Warriors will then visit Menlo next week on October 26.
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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 Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
