ROCKLIN, Calif. – Day two of Jessup's opening road trip got underway on Saturday, with the Warriors taking on the Pioneers of Antelope Valley. Backed again by a goal in the opening minutes, Jessup then played 90 minutes of defense as they now head home 2-0.
"I'm proud of our boys for the win today," said head coach Greg Lazaga. "It was an ugly win. We showed lack of composure and finishing ability on clear chances. But we came out with a win which shows growth."
Saturday's lone goal, his second of the season, came off the foot of forward
Paolo Ionescu. Ionescu swiped the ball away from UAV's goalkeeper, giving him a wide-open net to score just 80 seconds into the match.
It's the second time in two matches that Ionescu scored early. Yesterday he found the back of the net 30 seconds into the match, setting a record for the fastest goal to start a season in program history.
The Warriors had their chances to add to their tally, registering nine shots on goal to UAV's six. But at the end of 90 minutes, the scoreboard still showed a 1-0 decision in favor of Jessup.
Lazaga added that this victory shows maturity out of the Warriors, noting, "I think we lose or tie that game last year. We've talked a lot about maturity and we are building towards it."
Jessup split goalkeeping duties in this one, as
Antonio Camacho played the opening half, followed by
Gerardo Perez Plata in the second. Camacho, who earned the victory, recorded four saves to Perez Plata's one.
Now 2-0, the Warriors are homebound as they will hold their home opener next week against the College of Idaho. Jessup will host the Yotes at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 25, for the first of five non-conference matches on home turf.
Following the match with COI, Jessup will return to the road for a date with UC Merced the following night.
Tickets for Jessup's home opener, and all remaining home matches, are for sale online
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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).
