SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's soccer team opened its 2021 home slate with a 1-0 triumph over Warner Pacific University on Friday afternoon. A free kick goal from Juliana Pires in the 18^th minute proved to be the difference in the triumph, as a lockdown defensive effort limited the Knights to just three shots in the contest.

"We seemed to do everything well today except score," said director of soccer Tim Kagey. "Today was one of our most dominant performances for the year, we just need to do a better job finishing our chances."

The Warrior defense was the star of the show in the first half, as Corban held Warner Pacific to just one shot, out-shooting the Knights 15-1 in the first 45 minutes.

Overall, Corban dominated defensively from wire to wire, out-shooting WPU 31-3 in the 90 minutes, leading to the squad's fifth shutout of the young season.

Pires provided Corban's lone goal of the contest, finding the back of the net in the 18^th minute. The beautiful strike came from a free kick, which resulted from a Knight handball just a few yards outside the box.

In goal, Makida Herbert notched a trio of saves for the Warriors, while her counterpart Makenna McClellan (nine saves) did well to limit the Navy and Gold to just one goal.

Corban (6-2, 2-2 CCC) will return to the pitch tomorrow for another home match, welcoming Multnomah University to the CFC Soccer Complex at 6 p.m.