ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup played host to UC Merced on Tuesday for the long-awaited home opener of the 2024 season. In a match where all goals came within the first 45 minutes, it was the Bobcats who escaped with a 2-1 final.
"We are going to keep working," said head coach
Greg Lazaga. "I thought we were a little off our rhythm and conceded two goals at the beginning and end of the half. Both were preventable and we will learn from it. Right back to the drawing board. Another tough opponent Thursday and another opportunity to grow."
The first goal of the match came at the 14-minute mark, as Merced's Diego Fresquez slotted it home. The goal-scoring chance started on a Daniel Borges breakaway. Borges' attempt rattled the post, ricocheting to Fresquez for the early tally.
Jalen Scott leveled the score two minutes later with a strike from outside the box.
Both teams were unable to create chances until right before halftime when UC Merced sophomore Jake Perkins found Roberto Ceja to make it a 2-1 advantage.
The Warriors went with more of an attacking style of play in the second half, finishing the match with seven shots (four on goal), compared to the Bobcats, who totaled nine with six on frame. Scott led the Warriors with two attempts on goal, while
Sergio Medina and
Tariq Alabi added to Jessup's total.
Tuesday's second half was very physical, leading to four of the six cautions handed out on the day. Jessup's
Diego Nunez,
Maxx Willard, and Alabi were all booked in the second half.
Willard recorded three saves in the loss, while his opposition, Angel Joaquin, finished with two.
Jessup moves to 0-2-2 on the season and will again be in action on Warrior Field this Thursday as they take on Cal Poly Humboldt at 2 p.m. Tickets for the match are on sale
HERE.
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Jessup University is a provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. 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 (Instagram & X).
