ROCKLIN, Calif. – After two matches on the road to start the campaign, Jessup got to work on their home turf as they took on the Yotes of the College of Idaho. In a back-and-forth physical battle, Jessup got the strike they needed late as they move to 3-0-0 on the season.
The 2023 Warriors become the first team in program history to win their first three matches of the season. Jessup went unbeaten through four matches in 2022, but two of those results were draws.
After the match, head coach
Greg Lazaga stated, "I'm really proud of our group today. We were rough in the first half and not quite ready for the College of Idaho's style. We were able to make the appropriate adjustments at half to get us going."
Goalkeeper Gerardo Perez was spectacular in the win, recording five saves in the 90-minute shutout. Of those five saves, one of his best came ten minutes into the match as he denied a COI breakaway attempt that seemed poised for the match's first goal.
Perez Plata was back at it in the 42nd minute as he extended to his left for a diving save to keep the match scoreless at the break.
The Warriors battled in the first half, but what they did not have to show for their efforts was any shots. COI led the shot count 5-0 at halftime, with none of those attempts registering a goal.
COI outshot the Warriors 14-3 in regulation, as they added nine more shots in the second half. But finally, 78 minutes into the contest, the Warriors got the break they needed as the scoreboard was finally put to use.
On a breakaway chance,
Paolo Ionescu took a shot on goal from the top of the box but was denied by goalkeeper Ben Anderson. The ricochet went towards the goal, finding
Albert Barillas, who had come on as a sub just four minutes prior. Barillas headed it in, sending his team into a frenzy as they celebrated the day's first goal.
The Yotes attempted to register an equalizer, but it was to no luck as the Warriors walked away after 90 minutes with their second consecutive 1-0 victory.
Lazaga added a note of praise for his defense, adding, "Our backline players were essential, and several shined.
Luis Cruz, especially. He really held it down."
Now 3-0-0, Jessup will hit the road tomorrow for a 7 p.m. match at UC Merced. It will be a one-match road trip for Jessup as they will then return home to take on Simpson next Tuesday.
Tickets for all remaining home matches can be purchased
HERE.
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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).
