MERCED, Calif. – Jessup returned to action on Saturday, just over 24 hours after an emotional victory on Warrior Field. Coming into the day unbeaten through three matches, Jessup took their first loss of the season as they fell to UC Merced, 3-0.
The loss ends two streaks by the Warriors. On top of Jessup's three-match win streak meeting its end, the Warriors also surrendered a goal for the first time since the fifth minute of their opening day contest eight days ago.
"We were blitzed early and didn't match Merced's intensity and level," said head coach
Greg Lazaga. "It took two goals against for us to challenge and find ourselves."
Lazaga would add, "We have a choice to learn from this, and we will. There are too many good teams ahead of us to settle.
UC Merced was efficient with their shots on goal as they riffled off three on net, all crossing the goal line. Goalkeeper
Gerardo Perez Plata did not register a save in his 90 minutes of action.
Jessup outshot their counterparts in this one, totaling nine shots to the seven of the Bobcats.
Paolo Ionescu (2) and
Eduardo Guillen (1) recorded Jessup's three shots on frame.
The Bobcats struck first in the 10th minute as Diego Fresquez scored to put his side up 1-0. Thomas Knierieme added the second goal of the day for the Bobcats in the 15th minute of play, assisted by Jesus Enriquez.
Jessup saw an advantage go their way in the 24th minute as an altercation near the top of the box resulted in a red card being shown to UC Merced's Brian Lua. The Warriors played a man up for the final 66 minutes of play but were unable to find the back of the net.
UC Merced would tack on a third goal just 90 seconds before the intermission, coming via Daniel Borges.
The Warriors now return home to play Simpson on Tuesday, with the match being scheduled for 1:30 p.m. It will be a short homestand for Jessup as they will then return to the road for two matches away from Rocklin.
Tickets for Tuesday's clash with the Red Hawks are on sale
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).
