ROCKLIN, Calif. — The Jessup University men's soccer team kicked off its 2026 campaign at Warrior Field on Thursday afternoon, falling 1–0 to Cal State San Marcos in a tightly contested non-conference season opener.
Jessup controlled much of the early momentum in the opening half, generating seven total shot attempts in the first 45 minutes to test the Cougars' backline. However, Cal State San Marcos capitalized on its key opportunity of the half when forward Matthew Ibarra broke through the defense at the 21:37 mark, striking what would ultimately hold up as the game-winning goal. The physical intensity picked up shortly after, with referee cautions issued to CSUSM's Oli Barrosa and Brady Le before the halftime whistle.
Cal State San Marcos shifted into high gear defensively in the second period, completely locking down the Jessup attack. The Cougars outshot the Warriors 11–0 in the second half to finish with a 15–7 overall advantage in shot attempts, while forcing five saves from the Jessup defense to keep the contest within striking distance. Meanwhile, CSUSM goalkeeper Yoel Vazquez stopped the sole shot on goal he faced to preserve the clean sheet.
"First half we put in some good minutes with pressure on the goal. Guys played their roles well even though we went down a goal," said Jessup head coach
Greg Lazaga. "It's early in the year and we are learning. We need to keep that level going into second halves. The boys put in work and competed, but we need to be more tactical in our approach. Still excited about some of the potential on this group. They are hungry."
Jessup (0-1) will look to bounce back as they head on the road to take on Simpson University in Redding, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 11:00 a.m.
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About Jessup University Athletics 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).
