Box Score Rocklin, CA- The Warriors faced off against Simpson University on Saturday afternoon in their home opener at Warrior Field and emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
The lone goal came in the 28th minute off the boot of junior forward
Diego Lazo with the assist by junior midfielder
Jesus Rios. Jessup did a solid job at controlling possession and totaled seven shots in the first half alone. The Warriors finished with 18 shots and six on goal.
Coach
Greg Lazaga said the team had a strong defensive showing, which he believes will be key to their success this year. He emphasized the importance of a high work rate and turning over opponents up high on the field. While they controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities (18 shots), Lazaga noted that they "just couldn't finish in front of the box," highlighting a need for better finishing. The team also had a significant advantage in set pieces, with seven corner kicks to Simpson's one.
Lazo, Rios, and
Mateo Barth each had three shots with one on target, while
Jeremy Miller had two shots on goal off the bench. Aiden Vangelatos also had a shot on frame.
The Warriors' back line had a great game, allowing just five shots and one on goal from the Red Hawks. Freshman goalkeeper
Curtis Lynch made his lone save in the 87th minute. Red Hawks goalkeeper Jacopo Trolese finished with five saves in the contest.
"If we're going to make progress this year, it's going to be on the defensive end for sure," Lazaga said. "We're hoping that every guy takes that really seriously."
Jessup also had more opportunities on set pieces with seven corners compared to one for Simpson.
Jessup progresses to 1-0-1 on the season and will now hit the road against Menlo on Thursday before returning home to play CSU Monterey Bay on Sept. 17.
"Menlo is going to be a tough opponent, so learning when to attack, when to hold on, when to just mark spaces and then when to finish," Lazaga said. "Hopefully, then we can put something in the back of the net."
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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).
