REDDING, Calif. — Jessup University men's soccer battled to a 0–0 draw against Simpson University on Saturday morning at California Soccer Park, moving the Warriors to 0-1-1 in the 2026 season. Despite pushing the pace offensively and controlling tempo through set pieces, the Warriors were unable to break through against a stubborn Red Hawks defense.
We are definitely frustrated with today's result," head coach
Greg Lazaga noted following the match. "We generated more than enough pressure on goal to break through, but we just couldn't capitalize. There are clearly areas we need to refine in the final third so we can finish our opportunities"
Jessup set the tone early in the first half, outshooting Simpson 10–3 in the opening 45 minutes.
Alessandro Velazquez tested Red Hawks goalkeeper Julian Mejia in the 8th minute, forcing an early save. Moments later, defender
Maximas Ganesh nearly put Jessup on the board when his shot crashed off the crossbar, while
Kevin Chulu placed a header on target in the 10th minute.
Simpson turned to physical play to slow down the Warriors' transition, committing nine first-half fouls and receiving two yellow cards. Goalkeeper
Curtis Lynch kept the sheet clean for Jessup through the break, denying early attempts from Perez-Aviles and Leon Hoang.
The second half saw Simpson increase its attack, but the Warriors' backline held firm behind key plays, including a goal-line clearance from defender
Nolan Geller on a shot by Jevic Mwanza in the 47th minute. Offensively, second-half substitute
Gaven Shin created an immediate opportunity in the 51st minute, forcing a save from Mejia. Jessup finished the match outshooting Simpson 14–8 overall and maintained a dominant 10–6 advantage in corner kick opportunities.
Velazquez and Chulu led the Warriors' attack with three shots each, while Lynch totaled four saves to secure the full 90-minute shutout. Simpson finished with 18 total fouls and four yellow cards, while Mejia made five saves to preserve the scoreless draw.
"With most of our starting 11 new to the team this year," Lazaga concluded, " I'm confident they will keep growing, and we all will keep raising our level. We are continuing to learn and grow together while we stick to our roots."
The Warriors continue their non-conference schedule next week as they prepare for their upcoming slate against CSU Monterey Bay on Thursday, followed by a home match on Saturday against Cal Poly Humboldt with a 10:30 AM kickoff.
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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).
