SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Jessup University Women's Soccer team (1-8-5, 0-5-4 PacWest) played their penultimate regular season game on the road as the team visited Point Loma Nazarene University (7-3-5, 4-1-4 PacWest) on Thursday, 1-1.
The contest was defined by late-game dramatics, with both sides finding the back of the net in the final six minutes of regulation after 84 minutes of scoreless action. Jessup came out with a focus on defense, successfully neutralizing the Sea Lions' powerful attack early on. Point Loma heavily dictated the pace, outshooting Jessup 6-0 in the first half and forcing Warrior goalkeeper Celeste Fernandez to make two crucial saves to keep the match level at the break.
Jessup's midfield worked tirelessly, battling a combined eight fouls between the two sides in the opening 45 minutes. The second half began with similar pressure from Point Loma, who continued to rack up shots. However, it was the Warriors who broke the deadlock in the 84th minute. With a great pass and assist from Paulina Iniguez, Karlee Lywandowsky was alone with only the keeper to beat. After a touch, Lywandowsky booted the ball past the falling Sea Lion keeper for the match's first late score 1-0 (84:05).
The lead was short-lived as Point Loma made a final effort for the Warriors goal. With 12 seconds left in regulation, Priya Torres headed a ball off the post and into the net for a near buzzer-beater game tying score, 1-1 (89:48).
Goalkeeper Fernandez was superb between the posts, finishing the day with five total saves, ensuring that the Warriors secured the draw. Head Coach Amsalu Fantahun was proud of his team's performance, "So proud of our girls for an exceptional performance today. Our defense was rock solid, and their effort showed in every play." He expressed his excitement for the team's final opportunity on Saturday, "One game left, let's finish the season on a high note!"
The Warriors showed resilience throughout the difficult match, earning a valuable point on the road as they look ahead to their season finale at Azusa Pacific on Saturday, November 8th at 5:00 PM.
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Jessup University is a 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).
