ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Jessup University Women's soccer (1-8-3, 0-5-2 PacWest) welcomed the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds for a high scoring PacWest matchup, 3-4.
In what quickly turned into one of the most exciting and high-scoring affairs of the season, the Jessup Women's Soccer team fell just shy of a massive home victory, dropping a frenetic 3-4 decision to the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds at Warrior Field on Friday afternoon.
The seven-goal match was a true back-and-forth battle, defined by attacking prowess and non-stop pressure from both sides. While the Warriors showed immense fight by scoring three goals against a tough opponent, the Sunbirds managed to capitalize on one extra chance, ultimately securing the narrow win.
The intensity was evident from the opening whistle, with the teams combining for four goals in the first 45 minutes alone. Fresno Pacific struck first in the 8th minute with a strike from Gizelle Aguirre assisted by Abby Cano Ledezma. Aguirre repeated ten minutes later with another score in the 18th minute assisted by Damaris Lopez. The Sunbirds scored yet again at the 21st minute from Karyssa Lopez with an assist by Damaris Lopez.
Just before half, the Warriors tallied a score at the 43rd minute from Makenzie Wright. Wright was not done as she opened the second half with an additional goal at the 51st minute mark. Fresno Pacific further extended their lead at the 55th minute with a score from Takoah Castillo off of a penalty kick.
Jessup refused to back down, in the 65th minute Wright found the back of the net for her third goal of the afternoon and recorded a hat trick.
Jessup pressed hard for the final equalizer in the waning minutes, earning a late corner kick and driving multiple balls into the box, but the final whistle sounded before they could find that fourth, game-tying goal.
The Warriors ultimately lost the high-scoring contest 3-4, but the three-goal effort—spearheaded by Wright demonstrated the team's offensive potential and tenacity in the face of adversity. Assistant Coach Niall Masterson commented on the teams resilience, "I was proud of the team for how we fought back and played in the second half. We started the game badly but once we settled we started to gain confidence and play like we know we can." He continued, "We played on the front foot in the second half and attacked aggressively. We were disappointed to not come away with at least a tie."
Jessup Women's soccer's next matchup will be at home for senior day against Chaminade University on Saturday, November 1st. Kick-off will be at 11 AM.
